Eagles
NFL Honors: Zack Baun Named Finalist For Defensive Player of the Year

The Eagles listened to new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio this offseason with some of the guys he thought would work in his system.
They took a chance on a linebacker from New Orleans who had very little playing time and it certainly panned out for them.
On Thursday, Zack Baun was named a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year.
The finalists for AP Defensive Player of the Year presented by @TCL_USA! #NFLHonors pic.twitter.com/LCaNESupFR
— NFL (@NFL) January 23, 2025
It’d seem to be an uphill battle for Baun, who is the lone name on the list that a more casual fan of the NFL will have never heard of with the rest being more household names.
That said, he has the stats to back him up.
Back in 2013, Luke Kuechly was given the award at the same position and Baun’s stats are almost better all around.
It’s great that he has at least gotten to the final stages, though it remains to be seen if he’ll be able to come home with the award that many would argue is rightfully his.
Baun’s presence in the linebacking corps for Philadelphia stabilized a position that was a major concern heading into the season and he began flashing from week one.
The Eagles also have two rookies up for Defensive Rookie of the Year and Vic Fangio is up for Assistant Coach of the Year. Saquon Barkley was also named a finalist for MVP and Offensive Player of the Year.