​The Philadelphia Eagles are less than a month away from kicking off training camp, and we’re counting down the 25 most important Eagles for the 2026 season. At number 25 we have Marcus Epps, followed by Jake Elliott at 24 and Eli Stowers at 23. Rounding out the bottom of the list are Dontayvion Wicks at 22, Moro Ojomo at 21, Nolan Smith at 20, Dallas Goedert at 19, Jihaad Campbell at 18, and Zack Baun at 17.
We’ve just explained why Jihaad Campbell is such a pivotal player this season. Nakobe Dean’s departure via free agency is a major reason Campbell will be under the microscope, and it’s also a key factor behind the added pressure on Zack Baun to perform. Baun has been a core component of Vic Fangio’s defense for the past two seasons. His breakout 2024 campaign earned him All-Pro honors, and his 2025 season was nearly as impressive; while he didn’t grab All-Pro status again, he earned a Pro Bowl nod after another strong year.
Now, Baun’s experience and production will be even more vital in 2026. With Dean leaving, signing a three-year deal with the Raiders, Baun will be asked to shoulder more of the linebacker workload. Campbell, the 2025 first-round pick out of Alabama, will step into a full-time starting role for the first time. He started 10 games as a rookie beside Baun while Dean was sidelined by injury. But when the 25-year-old returned from injury, Campbell was moved into a more complementary role.
With substantial investment in Campbell, Dean anticipated the team’s trajectory and signed a $36 million pact with Las Vegas back in March. Campbell clearly has serious potential, but Baun will be expected not only to perform at a high level but also to lead the unit in the absence of Dean. “I feel like we have a lot of guys that can take over the leadership,” Baun said during OTAs. “Obviously, (Dean) was a big part. But we have a lot of guys. Jordan Davis, myself, Cooper DeJean, Quinyon Mitchell. All the starters can take ownership and that leadership in the locker room, on the field, and take charge just as Nakobe did.”
Baun demonstrated that leadership in 2025 by earning captain status and fulfilling the responsibilities that come with the “C” on his jersey. He also lived up to his new contract by continuing to play at a high level. The Eagles are listed at +1000 to win the NFC Championship next season, and a full BetMGM Sportsbook review offers guidance on using their app. For those interested in NFL futures, our NFL futures betting guide is a valuable resource. Baun, who joined as an under-the-radar signing a couple of offseasons ago, truly broke out in 2024 with 151 tackles (93 solo), 3 1/2 sacks, five forced fumbles, and one interception, earning him a three-year, $51 million extension. He didn’t disappoint in 2025, starting all 16 games and logging 123 tackles (64 solo), 3 1/2 sacks, two interceptions, and one forced fumble. If Baun performs at a similar level again in 2026, another extension could be on the horizon, though that consideration can be saved for another discussion focused on contract dynamics and team needs.