As the 2024 NFL season nears its climax, two unlikely names have emerged in the Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) conversation: Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter and New Orleans Saints linebacker Zack Baun. While the race is often dominated by marquee names like Micah Parsons, Myles Garrett, or T.J. Watt, Carter and Baun have quietly built compelling cases with their standout performances this season.
Jalen Carter: The Rising Star of Philadelphia
Selected as the ninth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Jalen Carter entered the league with sky-high expectations. Coming out of Georgia, where he was a key piece of their championship-winning defense, Carter’s transition to the NFL has been nothing short of seamless.
In his sophomore campaign with the Eagles, Carter has become the centerpiece of a defensive line renowned for its depth and versatility. His combination of size, speed, and technique has made him a nightmare for opposing offensive lines. Despite facing frequent double-teams, Carter has amassed an impressive stat line: 11 sacks, 15 tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles through Week 15.
Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio spoke highly of Carter’s impact:
“Jalen is one of those rare talents who can dominate a game from the interior. His ability to collapse the pocket and disrupt plays has been instrumental for us this season. He’s not just playing at a Pro Bowl level—he’s playing at an All-Pro level.”
Carter’s presence has elevated the Eagles’ defense, which has been the stingiest in the league over the past ten games, allowing fewer than 20 points in each contest. His relentless motor and ability to impact both the run and pass make him a unique weapon, and his performances have not gone unnoticed.
Zack Baun: The Breakout Year
While Carter’s rise to stardom was anticipated, Zack Baun’s emergence as a DPOY candidate is a true underdog story. Drafted in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Saints, Baun spent the early years of his career as a rotational player, showing flashes of potential but struggling to secure a consistent role.
The 2024 season has been a revelation for Baun. Elevated to a starting role in the Saints’ linebacker corps, he has thrived under defensive coordinator Joe Woods’ aggressive scheme. Baun’s ability to rush the passer, cover tight ends, and make plays in the open field has turned him into a Swiss Army knife for the Saints’ defense.
Through 15 games, Baun has recorded 105 tackles, 10 sacks, four forced fumbles, and two interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown. His knack for creating game-changing plays has made him an invaluable asset for New Orleans.
Teammates have lauded Baun’s work ethic and leadership. Saints veteran defensive end Cameron Jordan praised him, saying,
“Zack’s growth this season has been incredible. He’s always had the talent, but now he’s putting it all together. He’s one of those guys who can take over a game, and he’s been doing it consistently for us.”
The Case for DPOY
Both Carter and Baun face stiff competition in the DPOY race. Players like T.J. Watt, Micah Parsons, and Myles Garrett are having exceptional seasons and have long been considered front-runners for the award. However, Carter and Baun bring unique narratives and undeniable production that make them deserving of consideration.
For Carter, the argument lies in his dominance as an interior lineman—a position that often goes underappreciated in awards voting. His ability to disrupt plays from the middle of the defense has been a key factor in the Eagles’ success this season. If Philadelphia finishes as the NFC’s top seed, Carter’s contributions will be hard to ignore.
Baun’s case is built on versatility and impact plays. Few players in the league can match his ability to excel in multiple facets of the game. With the Saints fighting for a playoff spot, Baun’s performances down the stretch could solidify his candidacy.
Historical Contexts
Winning DPOY as a sleeper candidate is rare but not unprecedented. In 2016, Oakland Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack won the award in just his third season, despite not being the favorite. Similarly, cornerback Stephon Gilmore won in 2019 after emerging as the centerpiece of the New England Patriots’ secondary.
For Carter, winning the award in his second season would put him in elite company alongside players like Lawrence Taylor, who captured DPOY honors early in their careers. Baun, meanwhile, would be the first Saints linebacker to win the award, cementing his place in franchise history.
The final weeks of the regular season will be crucial for both players. Carter and the Eagles are set to face the Arizona Cardinals and New York Giants, games where his dominance could shine. For Baun, upcoming matchups against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons will provide opportunities to further showcase his playmaking abilities.
While the DPOY race remains wide open, Carter and Baun’s performances have already made this season unforgettable. Whether they ultimately capture the award or not, their emergence as defensive forces signals bright futures for both players.
Conclusion
Jalen Carter and Zack Baun may have started the season as under-the-radar talents, but their exceptional play has thrust them into the spotlight. As the NFL season heads into its most critical phase, these two defensive stars have proven they belong in the conversation for the league’s most prestigious defensive honor.
The NFL is a league of narratives, and few are as compelling as Carter’s dominance and Baun’s breakout. Regardless of how the awards race shakes out, one thing is clear: the future of defense in the NFL is in good hands.
