DB Marlin Jackson visiting Eagles, will he sign?

The Eagles finally have their first free agent visitor of the offseason as former Colts defensive back Marlin Jackson is in Philly today and tomorrow. Jackson, who previously visited the Ravens yesterday, is scheduled to undergo some physical tests, talk with team officials and then meet the media at 11 am tomorrow. There is some speculation that the Eagles will announce the signing of Jackson when he talks to the press tomorrow but word has come out from Aaron Wilson, a Ravens beat writer, that Jackson is already scheduled to visit the Jets later this week. If Jackson is still arranging more visits, he might not plan to be signing with any team just yet.

Whether the Eagles should offer a contract to the unrestricted free agent is another issue. While Jackson is a big, physical corner with tremendous talent, he is coming off of two ACL injuries in the last two years. The Eagles didn't seem to make a serious run at DE Aaron Kampman, who has a similar injury history, so why would the Birds want Jackson, who has even worse injury problems? Then there is the question as to where he will play. Can Jackson successfully move to free safety, the biggest secondary need for the Eagles, after playing cornerback with the Colts?

As is the usual rule with free agents, if the team lets them leave town after a visit, it's not likely they will sign with the team. If the Eagles don't announce a signing of Jackson at their press conference tomorrow, don't count on him joining the team. Personally, I don't mind the Eagles taking a chance on Jackson staying healthy for the right price. The way Jackson is touring around to several teams, however, he looks to be fishing for a pretty substantial offer. If he is, don't count on the Eagles to get involved in the bidding; it's not in their nature to overpay.