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The Philadelphia Eagles are less than a month away from the start of training camp. We’ll be counting down the 25 most important Eagles for the 2026 season.
25. Marcus Epps
24. Jake Elliott
23. Eli Stowers
22. Dontayvion Wicks
21. Moro Ojomo
20. Nolan Smith
19. Dallas Goedert
18. Jihaad Campbell
17. Zack Baun
We just explained why Jihaad Campbell is such an important player this season. Nakobe Dean’s free agency exit is a big reason why Campbell will be under the microscope — and it’s a big reason why Zack Baun will be under more pressure to perform.
Baun has been an integral part of Vic Fangio’s defense over the last two seasons. His breakout season in 2024 earned him All-Pro status. His 2025 campaign was almost as impressive; Baun didn’t land All-Pro honors, but he was named to the Pro Bowl after producing yet again.
Now, Baun’s pedigree will be needed even more in 2026. With Dean gone, signing a three-year deal with the Raiders, Baun will be asked to carry more of the weight at linebacker.
Campbell, the 2025 first-round pick out of Alabama, will be a full-time starter for the first time. He started 10 games as a rookie next to Baun while Dean was hurt. But when the 25-year-old returned from injury, Campbell was displaced, forced into more of a complementary role.
With so much invested in Campbell, Dean saw the writing on the wall and signed a $36 million deal with Las Vegas back in March. Campbell possesses serious potential. But it’ll be on Baun to not only perform but also continue to lead with Dean no longer on the roster.
“I feel like we have a lot of guys that can take over the leadership,” Baun said in OTAs. “Obviously, (Dean) was a big part. But we have a lot of guys. Jordan Davis, myself, Cooper DeJean, Quinyon Mitchell. All the starters can take ownership and that leadership in the locker room, on the field, and take charge just as Nakobe did.”
Baun did that in 2025, earning captain status and living up to the “C” on his jersey. He also lived up to his new contract and kept playing at a high level.
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Baun, an under-the-radar signing two offseasons ago, broke out in a big way in 2024, racking up 151 tackles (93 solo), 3 1/2 sacks, five forced fumbles and one interception. That earned Baun a three-year, $51 million contract extension.
Baun didn’t make Howie Roseman and Co. regret giving that to him. In 2025, he started another 16 games, recording 123 tackles (64 solo), 3 1/2 sacks, two INTs and one forced fumble.
If Baun, 29, plays well again in 2026, he could earn another extension. But that’s a consideration for next offseason.
This offseason and this season, the Eagles need Baun to continue to be the constant in the heart of the defense, like he has for the last two years.
Eagles News
- The Eagles need this 1st-round pick with injury history to become a star Jul. 9, 2026, 6:00a.m.
- This Eagles veteran could have left in free agency. Why his return is so important Jul. 8, 2026, 6:00a.m.
- This Eagles defender’s 2026 season will determine uncertain future Jul. 7, 2026, 6:00a.m.
- This Eagles breakout star might not be back. But he’s an important piece in 2026 Jul. 6, 2026, 6:00a.m.
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