Let’s roll back the clock a few years — the New Orleans Saints traded up for linebacker Zack Baun in the third round of the 2020 NFL draft. At the time, questions about fit arose with Baun mainly playing as an on-the-line pass rusher, only for the Saints to cast him as an off-the-ball linebacker out in space.
Those questions only stuck around as Baun was not able to make much of an impact during his time in New Orleans. Now, his contract is up and a split makes sense for both parties.
Baun was able to find a little bit of success towards the end of the 2023 season when the team started using him as a situational pass rusher. He picked up his first two sacks in the NFL over the last six games of the season. If a team could use him more to his strengths than the Saints did to start his career, he might be able to stick around for a couple of years as he is just now turning 27.
Here are the best team fits for Baun in free agency:
Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
The Chiefs are losing a lot of firepower in their linebacker room. Their linebackers also are a big part of their pass rush, so it is an ideal situation for someone like Zack Baun. They get the most out of their players. Rushing the passer and special teams have always been his strong suits, going back to college. Going to the Chiefs on a prove it deal, working with Steve Spagnuolo, could be a smart investment for his future.
© JAMIE GERMANO / USA TODAY NETWORK
The Bills are another defense that gets a lot out of linebackers that might not be the most sought after. Sean McDermott signed A.J. Klein off of his couch and got 16 tackles out of him in two playoff games. This would be another option for a prove-it deal with a contender for Baun. It’s also another defense that allows off-ball linebackers to get after the quarterback.
Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Working with Mike Macdonald is a smart idea for any linebacker. Macdonald will need to replenish his defense with both off-ball linebackers and edge rushers. This would allow Baun to be used as more of a versatile player than he has in his career, despite his skill set allowing for it. Baun might be able to get a longer contract here rather than some of the bigger immediate contenders as well.
Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
The Jaguars recently hired former Saints defensive line and co-defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen as…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Saints Wire…