Zack Baun’s electric Philadelphia Eagles debut leaves Saints fans wondering ‘What if?’

Craving a bigger role, particularly as a pass rusher, Zack Baun left the New Orleans Saints in free agency this offseason after an unproductive first four seasons hampered by limited opportunities.

The Philadelphia Eagles saw something in Baun when they scooped him up in free agency. After never playing more than 27% of New Orleans' defensive snaps in a season, Baun was an integral part of Vic Fangio’s game plan in the Week 1 opener against the Green Bay Packers in Brazil.

More of a situational pass rusher for the Saints, Baun played more of a hybrid inside linebacker/EDGE role in his Eagles debut. Per PFF’s advanced stats , he played 47 of his 70 snaps in the box as an inside backer, but also logged 13 snaps on the EDGE and another six as a slot cornerback.

The production will make Saints fans wonder what might have been for the former third-round pick. Baun racked up 10 solo tackles, two sacks and seven run stuffs against the Packers. His sack on backup quarterback Malik Willis in the closing seconds ended the game. Perhaps more impressive were Baun’s 30 pass coverage reps . When he was targeted Friday night, the Packers netted a passer rating of just 70.4.

It was an excellent Week 1 overall for Eagles general manager Howie Roseman. He appears to have pulled off a major heist in right guard Mekhi Becton , and splash free agent signing Saquon Barkley dominated to the tune of three touchdowns in an electric Eagles debut on the NFL's big stage in South America.

Baun was more of an under-the-radar signing back in March. That 1-year, $1.6 million contract he signed with the Eagles will sure net fruitful returns if the fifth-year pro can keep up this kind of production.

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