Zack Baun on Jihaad Campbell's upside and an evolving Eagles defense

That's the short version of how Zack Baun became a first-team All-Pro, two-time Pro Bowler, and Super Bowl champion with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Baun took over the green dot when Nakobe Dean went down with an injury late in 2024 and never looked back.

Now, with Dean gone, the veteran linebacker steps into an even bigger leadership role and says defensive coordinator Vic Fangio is "taking things to the next level."

Filling the void left by Nakobe Dean

Dean, who played alongside Baun for two seasons and effectively taught him the position, has left for the Las Vegas Raiders.

"It hurt to see him leave, but I'm happy to watch him go, and I know he's going to succeed wherever he is," Baun said, per the Eagles website. "I thank him from the bottom of my heart."

Losing a player like that creates a real void, and Baun's answer is to redistribute the leadership.

"Jordan Davis, myself, Cooper DeJean, Quinyon Mitchell," he said. "All the starters can take ownership in that leadership in the locker room, on the field and take charge, just as Nakobe did."

Baun takes the mentor role seriously

In the last two years, Baun has amassed 274 tackles, seven sacks, six forced fumbles, three interceptions and 11 pass breakups.

But rather than dwell on his own achievements, it seems he'd prefer to talk about the responsibilities of being a mentor.

"It's been really cool thinking about how I'm the veteran teaching the younger guy little things," he said.

That younger guy is Jihaad Campbell, the 2025 first-round pick who started strong, played sparingly mid-season, before finding his feet toward the end of last year.

Campbell is slated to step into Dean's shoes in 2026, taking on what should be a full-time role alongside Baun in Fangio's unit.

Mitchell Leff / Stringer

As the leader of the defense, Baun has taken Campbell under his wing, and he's excited about what year two could bring.

"You saw growth all throughout the season, so I'm really excited for him this upcoming season."

Baun on the Eagles' new additions defense

Beyond the internal development, Philadelphia has added to the roster in ways that have caught Baun's attention.

Cornerback Riq Woollen arrived from Seattle, and Baun couldn't miss his arrival.

"I remember seeing him when he came in to sign. I'm like, 'That guy is tall,'" Baun said.

"Super fast, super smooth. Watching him work out is incredible, and the things he can do on the field, his attitude ... It'll fit really well for this defense."

Jonathan Greenard also joined from the Vikings, reuniting Baun with a player he went through the 2020 draft process alongside.

"I know the things he can do on the field and the things he can bring to this defense, Baun added. "I'm super excited."

What Fangio has planned for 2026

Entering his third year in Fangio's system, Baun spoke of how his approach has changed.

"I feel I'm worried less now about what my responsibility is and can really hone into what the offense is doing," he said.

"Being able to implement myself in ways that is outside my position and my realm has been really cool."

Mitchell Leff / Stringer

Fangio, Baun says, is also keeping things fresh.

"I feel he's taking things to the next level this year," Baun said. "Even with his own scheme, he continues to develop and tweak and change."

Baun's read on Fangio as a coach is also worth noting.

"He's a hard-nosed, old school football coach," Baun continued. "If you're willing to learn and listen to what he has to say, it could be really good for you, and I think it's been really good for this defense."