Ever since winning Super Bowl LIX, the Eagles have been suffering dents in their locker room. Earlier, their OC Kellen Moore left the team, taking up the new role as the Saints HC. Nick Sirianni wanted to build a dynasty. But those plans are in serious danger now. A key Jalen Hurts teammate might be next in the line to leave the Super Bowl winners. It would be crazy!
Rumors are flying in the league that Sirianni’s rivals are preparing a trade for their linebacker, Zack Baun. This includes the 49ers and the Packers. A few days back, even the LA Rams were in the race, but looks like they are giving it a second thought. The LB was only signed on a 1-year $3.5 million contract. If the Eagles don’t offer a new deal or he doesn’t accept, Baun could be gone. They’d hate to see him do against them in 2025 what he did for them in 2024.
#49ers and #Packers are expected to target #Eagles FREE AGENT Zack Baun pic.twitter.com/TjTIXwqRxR
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) February 25, 2025
But it’s not entirely a one-way street. It was a testament to the culture and team spirit of Jalen Hurts & co. that one season with the Eagles yielded better results than the previous 4 seasons with the NO Saints for Zack Baun. Here’s an analysis of his performance in the league.
Team
Season
Games Played
Games Started
Interceptions
Passes Defended
Forced Fumbles
Sacks
Combined Tackles
Solo Tackles
QB Hits
NO Saints
2020-2023
62
14
1
2
0
2.0
88
60
8
P Eagles
2024
16
16
1
4
5
3.5
151
93
5
Nick Sirianni and DC Vic Fangio got the best from him in the playoffs. In 4 games, he recorded 4 interceptions. This included one in the wildcard playoffs against the Packers and one against the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX. With an option for a dynasty in the making, they would certainly have big shoes to fill if he goes to the rivals.
The Birds crushed the Chiefs in front of the 47th POTUS. Of late, various rumors have been floating around involving the White House and the franchise.
Jalen Hurts & co. ready for White House Visit
In his first stint, Trump openly called out the players who kneeled during the national anthem. As a result, many league-winning teams weren’t invited to or didn’t visit the White House. That included the 2016-17 Golden State Warriors and 2018 Seattle Storm. The Eagles were also one of them, with the President rescinding his invitation. This year, Trump was rooting for Patrick Mahomes, But Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts outplayed him.
So, it’s the second time around that tradition dictates the Eagles (deservedly) visit the White House. Over the last couple of days, reports claimed they might decline the invitation (if extended) this year. But an official confirmed that the President didn’t send any formal invitation to the team. There’s a twist in the tale though. The Eagles reportedly plan to accept the invitation if the POTUS sends it.
The reports coming out are contrary. Fans are swinging their heads at the back-and-forth like they’re watching a classic Wimbledon rally. Ryan Clark also tweeted, calling out people trying to make up some trouble by floating fake news. But Trump supporters are already upset. Megyn Kelly even used some choice words for Jalen Hurts & co. Claiming her husband was their fan, she clarified that she couldn’t support them declining the President’s invite.
The Eagles are working out plenty of issues. But a visit to the White House will definitely propel their popularity. It might open the doors for other teams as well… *cough cough* anyone remember the Chiefs rumors before the Super Bowl?
The post NFL Rumors: Nick Sirianni’s Rivals Want Jalen Hurts’ Super Bowl Winning Teammate as Eagles Ready to Accept White House Invite appeared first on EssentiallySports.
