NEW ORLEANS — During a recent episode of his late-night talk show, Jason Kelce was pleasantly surprised to see his former boss, Eagles general manager Howie Roseman, in the audience. Seizing the opportunity, Kelce turned the moment into an engaging Q&A session, asking a question that was on the minds of many fans: “Did you know Zack Baun was going to be this good?”

Roseman, who was instrumental in constructing the Eagles’ first Super Bowl-winning team in 2017, took a chance on Baun, signing him to a low-risk one-year contract worth $3.5 million after he had struggled for four seasons with the Saints. The initial plan was for Baun to be a reliable player who could carve out a role on defense and possibly contribute to special teams.

What has followed, however, has been a remarkable transformation; under the guidance of defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, Baun has emerged as a first-team All-Pro. He is now prepared to return to his old city of New Orleans with the aim of helping the Eagles clinch victory against the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl.

When Roseman caught up with Baun following his selection as an All-Pro, he was met with a direct inquiry: “Did you think there was any shot at this?” Roseman’s candid response drew laughter when he admitted, “Heck no.”

Given the circumstances, it’s easy to understand his lack of optimism. At 28, Baun was relatively unknown compared to other high-profile acquisitions made during the offseason like running back Saquon Barkley, whose success overshadowed Baun’s signing. Drafted by the Saints in the third round of 2020, Baun had not made a significant impact, logging just 12 starts and 88 tackles through his years with a team that struggled to maintain a presence in the league.

In a remarkable turnaround in his first season with the Eagles, Baun has become a finalist for the Associated Press NFL Defensive Player of the Year award. Although the Saints allowed him to leave, Baun views the upcoming Super Bowl more as an opportunity than a chance for revenge. He has owned up to his previous shortcomings in New Orleans.

“I was getting in my own way,” Baun reflected candidly. “The coaching staff and scheme were solid, but I felt like I was my own obstacle. Moving to a new environment has provided fresh opportunities and insights for my career.”

Making the switch from being primarily an edge defender in New Orleans, where he struggled to secure a starting position, Baun has thrived as an inside linebacker in Philadelphia. This positional change has revitalized his performance under Fangio’s system, which demands him to be both a run stopper and a pass rusher. This season, he has tallied 151 tackles, including 93 solo.

In May, Fangio remarked on Baun’s adaptation: “He didn’t get much defensive playtime there, but we believe he can excel inside, and so far, he hasn’t proven otherwise.” Baun has quickly demonstrated he is a fast learner, kicking off his season with an impressive 15 tackles in a victory over Green Bay, including a game-ending sack.

While Barkley’s three touchdowns during that game might have stolen the spotlight, Baun hasn’t let off the gas. His performance has been consistent; he recorded 11 tackles and a sack in a win against Carolina and forced a fumble that contributed to a victory against Washington. Additionally, he made history by being the first Eagles linebacker to intercept a pass in a playoff game since DeMeco Ryans did so in 2014.

Baun’s journey has transformed him from an undervalued asset to a sought-after All-Pro linebacker, providing him an opportunity for financial security this offseason. Roseman’s reputation for salary cap maneuvering will likely be put to the test as he seeks to retain Baun, who playfully reminded Roseman during the talk show appearance, “Please remember that when we do your contract.”

As Baun prepares for the Super Bowl, thoughts of his previous tenure with the Saints are set aside as he focuses solely on winning a championship. “I don’t want to think about free agency right now,” he emphasized. “We’re focused on the Super Bowl. I’m fully committed to this team and living in the moment.”