Everyone expected the Eagles to show interest, and according to one report, they have.

According to John Clayton of ESPN, the Eagles have called the agent for safety Jairus Byrd.It is not yet known how serious the interest is. Clayton reported the contact on "SportsCenter."

With "legal tampering" or "negotiating positions" allowed until Tuesday at 4 p.m., the Eagles can discuss a contract with Byrd's agent, but they cannot talk directly to Byrd or have him in for a visit.

Byrd is considered the best free-agent safety on the market, especially in pass coverage. Plus, Byrd has ties to the University of Oregon, where Chip Kelly coached before coming to the Eagles last year.

What will it take to sign Byrd? Judging from the five biggest contracts handed out to safeties last season, Byrd should get in the range of five years and $45 million, with close to half of that guaranteed.

That price tag might prove to be too steep, but by calling, the Eagles have at least started the conversation.

Follow Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks