In Baun’s three year contract, $17 million has been fully earned money — which was in the first year of the three-year deal. Baun has $17 million cash due in 2027 and 2028, but the real contract year softens the blow for salary cap purposes if the Eagles choose to move on. <\/p>\n
What’s a real contract year?<\/p>\n
A contract year in the NFL is like it sounds, the final year in a contract before a player can hit free agency. This case is different with Baun, as the Eagles have essentially given themselves an out in regards to Baun’s deal. <\/p>\n
The Eagles still will pay Baun $16.75 million in guaranteed salary in 2026, but this will be the final year Baun has a guaranteed salary. Baun has no guaranteed salary in 2027, but has a cap number of $11.849 million. The Eagles also have the right to convert $15.5 million into an option bonus, which would save more cap space.<\/p>\n
Since 2026 is a real contract year, the Eagles could save cap space if Baun was a post-June 1 cut in the 2027 offseason. They would save $5.476 million if Baun was designated as a post-June 1 cut in 2027. <\/p>\n
Baun can still play past the 2026 season, as 2027 is still the final year of his contract. Baun is owed $17 million, but his cap number is $11.849 million in that 2027 season. This is where the void years come into play for salary cap purposes.<\/p>\n
Are the Eagles saving cap space this year with this move?<\/p>\n
Simple answer. No. <\/p>\n
The Eagles don’t save any cap space in 2026 with this reworking of Baun’s contract. This is a way to save cap space down the line. If the Eagles did proceed with the post-June 1 release with Baun, that would come in 2028.<\/p>\n
The Eagles could always use the post-June 1 release and then give Baun a new contract next year. Baun is coming off a season which he had 123 tackles, 3.5 sacks, seven tackles for loss, seven passes defensed, and two interceptions — earning his second straight Pro Bowl selection. <\/p>\n
There’s no reason for the Eagles to move on from Baun at this juncture, but the opportunity to create some extra cap flexibility was utilized. <\/p>\n
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