On second thought, Marlin Jackson does sign with the Eagles

The Eagles have finally decided to dip their feet into the free agency waters, signing recent visitor Marlin Jackson to a two year contract with a base salary of 1.5 million for next year. It was odd timing for the Eagles, who allowed Jackson to visit with the media in Philadelphia and then leave town before they announced his signing.

Jackson is a 5 year veteran with the Colts who is coming off two ACL injuries. According to several sources on Twitter, Jackson, who played cornerback for Indy, will play free safety with the Eagles, meaning Macho Harris will have some competition for the starting job next year.

Given his talent but his bad knees, the Eagles made a shrewd move in signing Jackson to a cheap contract. Giving a big, physical defensive back 1.5 million to try to prove himself is really very little risk with a lot of possible reward. Should Jackson beat out Harris and be the starting free safety, he could earn up to 5.5 million dollars in incentives over the course of the contract. Should he fizzle out and prove unable to play with his injuries, the Eagles don't have too much salary to eat.

Could that be the only free agent the Eagles sign? Time will tell if they have anything else up their sleeve, like bringing back Hank Baskett or adding a backup running back.