A recent filming of Jason Kelce’s new late-night show for ESPN included a surprise guest.
Philadelphia Eagles GM Howie Roseman attended They Call It Late Night with Jason Kelce, which was filmed at Union Transfer, and he had a candid exchange with Kelce on linebacker Zack Baun that should have Eagles fans feeling great about the All-Pro’s future in Philly.
During a short back-and-forth, with Roseman standing among fans in the audience, Kelce asked his former boss point-blank: “Did you know Zack Baun was going to be this good?”
Roseman’s response was authentic, with a little piece of Eagles news at the end:
You know, after he made first-team All-Pro, I went to him and I congratulated him and I said, ‘Man, you deserve this.’ And he said, ‘Be honest. Did you think there was any shot of this?’ And I said, ‘F— no … and please remember that when we do your contract.’
Baun being in Philadelphia’s future plans is far from ground-breaking after he racked up 93 solo tackles (151 total), 3.5 sacks and five forced fumbles during a season that ended with Pro Bowl and All-Pro nods. It’s good to hear the GM say it, though, as the team has another huge expiring contract to deal with in defensive tackle Milton Williams.
Baun doesn’t project to make as much as Williams on the open market as an off-ball linebacker, but he’s fully expected to get at least a three-year deal worth around $10 million per season. It’s unlikely that Roseman gets too much of a hometown discount here, as Baun has only made about $8.8 million over his five-year NFL career, and this offseason represents the 28-year-old’s best chance to cash in.
There’s no way Roseman expected to pay an above market contract for an off-ball linebacker this offseason — and he admitted as much in that viral video. But this one is a no-brainer.
Baun recently told Jeff McLane of the Inquirer: “I want to stay here, but everything has to work out. It takes two to tango.” Thankfully, it doesn’t feel like Baun’s dancing anywhere other than Philly anytime soon.
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