The Philadelphia Eagles aren’t wasting time keeping their Super Bowl-winning roster intact. Their latest move? Locking down All-Pro linebacker Zack Baunwith a three-year, $51 million deal, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The contract includes $34 million guaranteed at signing, plus incentives that could push the total even higher.
Baun’s rise in Philly has been nothing short of spectacular. After signing a one-year, $3.5 million deal in 2024 as a depth piece, he exploded onto the scene as a star in Vic Fangio’s defense. Playing inside linebacker for the first time in his career, Baun racked up 151 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, and five forced fumbles-earning him a well-deserved All-Pro nod. And when the lights were brightest, he delivered: 33 tackles and two interceptions in the playoffs, including one in the Eagles’ Super Bowl win over the Kansas City Chiefs.
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Philly isn’t just throwing money around for the sake of it. They’re securing the core of a championship team. Just a day before Baun’s deal, they handed star running back Saquon Barkley a record-setting two-year, $41.2 million extension. The message is clear-this team is built to win now and in the future.
Meanwhile, in Kansas City…
While the Eagles are spending big, the Chiefs are taking a different approach-one that might not sit well with fans.
Kansas City has been forced to shed talent, starting with the release of running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire. The former first-round pick played a key role in the Chiefs’ past success, but with cap space tight, they opted to move on. The cost-cutting didn’t stop there-veteran offensive lineman Joe Thuney, a trusted protector of Patrick Mahomes, was traded to the Chicago Bears.
And the exodus may not be over. Defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton, fresh off an 8.5-sack season, is expected to leave in free agency. With their defensive front already needing reinforcements, losing Wharton would be a big blow.
Two Super Bowl contenders, two different strategies
The contrast between these two powerhouses couldn’t be more striking. The Eagles are locking up key players, ensuring their core remains intact. The Chiefs, on the other hand, are facing the reality of roster turnover, trying to balance financial flexibility with maintaining a competitive edge.
It’s a risky game Kansas City is playing. Can they reload fast enough to keep Mahomes and company in championship form? Or will Philly’s approach-securing proven talent-give them an edge heading into the next season?
Only time will tell, but one thing’s clear: The Eagles are going all in on their guys, while the Chiefs are being forced to make some tough choices. And in a league where stability often leads to success, Philly might just have the upper hand.
