Things may not be going according to plan for Luke Fickell and Wisconsin right now, but that doesn’t mean it’s all doom and gloom for the program. On the recruiting front, it will be a big weekend for the Oregon game. Who knows, maybe a miracle will be placed on the field.

That said, despite the Badgers being 5-4, many fans are also keeping an eye on former playmakers who left Madison and went on to have great careers in the NFL. These days, linebacker Zack Baun is looking sensational for the Eagles.

According to Pro Football Focus, Baun has been the highest rated LB over the past three weeks. After a strong performance in Philly’s Week 12 win over Dallas, Baun also took home NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. He puts on a show and the rest of the country pays attention:

Baun was indeed a monster against the Cowboys, posting eight tackles, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and one tackle for loss. He was a nightmare for the Dallas offense to deal with. Hey, give Baun props, as he arrived at the Eagles as an underrated playmaker.

Now, though, he’s proving to be one of the best free agents for any team last season, as the Eagles were able to land him on a cheap one-year contract worth $1.6 million. With the way he has played in 2024, Baun is poised to get a huge contract once he hits free agency again.

The Eagles would be wise to finalize an extension with him in the near future. Baun was a standout for Wisconsin, arriving in 2016 and playing his final year with the Big Ten powerhouse in 2019. It’s great to see him play so well at the next level. He will be someone that people in Madison always root for.