NFL free agency is off and running, and we're keeping track of every major signing, trade and release of the 2021 offseason, with analysis from our NFL Nation reporters and grades from our experts. The new league year began March 17, meaning free-agent signings could be made official after that. The first round of the 2021 NFL draft begins April 29 on ESPN.
The Philadelphia Eagles entered free agency tight on salary-cap space, but that didn't stop them from addressing some needs in the secondary. Former Minnesota Vikings safety Anthony Harris is their marquee signing to date. He and cornerback Darius Slay make for an intriguing duo in the backfield. But there is still work to be done. Namely, the Eagles need to find a solid starting corner to play opposite Slay. If at the right price, it makes sense for the Eagles to add at wide receiver and linebacker as well.
Here's a breakdown of every 2021 NFL free-agent signing by the Eagles, and how each will impact the upcoming season:
Joe Flacco, QB
The former New York Jets quarterback has agreed to a one-year deal with the Eagles, including $3.5 million guaranteed and the opportunity to earn $4 million more in incentives, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.
What it means: The Eagles add a veteran presence who can serve as a resource for Jalen Hurts while also pushing him. Though they could still draft a quarterback this April, Hurts is the projected starter. He has four NFL starts compared to 175 for Flacco. The added experience to the quarterback room should certainly help, and Flacco can step in and keep the team afloat for a stretch if called upon. At 36, he's at the point in his career where he can challenge Hurts without threatening him.
What's the risk: Flacco reportedly hasn't always embraced the mentor role, though he did appear to make strides in that department in New York with Sam Darnold last season. Flacco had a warm market last offseason because of a neck injury, but put most of those concerns were put to rest after starting four games for the Jets in 2020. The veteran free-agent market was pretty thin. Flacco was the best available, and Philadelphia got him at a reasonable price, making this a low-risk signing overall.
Anthony Harris, S
The Eagles are signing the former Minnesota Vikings safety to a one-year, $5 million contract, agent Drew Rosenhaus told ESPN's Adam Schefter.
What it means: The Eagles improve their secondary with the addition of Harris, a playmaking safety who should transition smoothly into defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon's system. Gannon coached Harris for three seasons (2015-17) when he was assistant defensive backs coach for the Minnesota Vikings. Harris, 29, played under the franchise tag last season after racking up six interceptions in 2019. He has nine career interceptions to go with 28 passes defensed, and will likely assume a starter role opposite Rodney McLeod.
What's the risk: Harris is coming off a down season, posting zero interceptions despite starting all 16 games for the Vikings. The Eagles have to hope last season was an anomaly. The good news for them is they signed Harris to a reasonable one-year deal and can move on without much financial pain if it doesn't work out.
Andrew Adams, S
The Eagles plan to sign the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety, according to a source.
What it means: The Eagles finally get on the free-agency board with the signing of Adams, who contributed primarily on special teams for the Super Bowl champion Bucs last season. Originally signed as an undrafted free agent out of Connecticut in 2016, he has started 32 games over five seasons with the Giants and Bucs, and has six career interceptions. This should be viewed as a depth signing for a secondary that certainly needs it.
What's the risk: This is expected to be a low-cost signing, so there's little risk involved. The bigger problem would be if the Eagles didn't further address the secondary, given Jalen Mills has left for the New England Patriots and fellow starting safety Rodney McLeod is coming off December ACL surgery. Both safety and cornerback could use some love.
Hassan Ridgeway, DT
The Eagles have agreed to terms with the defensive tackle.
What it means: Ridgeway, 26, returns for his third season in Philadelphia. Prior to that he was with the Colts, where coach Nick Sirianni and coordinator Jonathan Gannon were on the staff. He's a solid rotational player and can offer quality snaps when Fletcher Cox and Javon Hargrave need breathers.
What's the risk: Injuries have held Ridgeway back. He has been limited to 14 games (5 starts) over the past two years, and missed the bulk of last season with a biceps injury. It's another low-cost move for the Eagles, limiting the overall risk, but Philadelphia has had issues with health over the past several seasons and Ridgeway has been a part of that.