With Rodney McLeod set to test free agency in March, the Eagles could be looking for a new free safety this offseason.

While the team may not want to pay McLeod top dollar with a new contract, that doesn’t mean the Eagles will avoid splurging on another defensive back.

Pro Football Focus thinks the Eagles should target Minnesota Vikings safety Anthony Harris in free agency. Harris, who tied the league lead with six interceptions this season, is set to test the market in March like McLeod.

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Here’s what PFF’s Anthony Treash said about the possible marriage between Harris and the Eagles:

“Malcolm Jenkins helped improve the Eagles’ secondary this year, playing exceptionally well in his box safety/slot role. Everywhere else wasn’t terrible, but there is certainly room for improvement, and adding Anthony Harris would elevate the most important unit on the defensive side of the ball. Harris has been one of the NFL’s best free safeties these past couple of years, recording the highest two-year PFF overall grade at that alignment. He also had seven interceptions as a free safety in that timespan while allowing six catches.”

Harris would certainly be a playmaking upgrade from McLeod. Harris has produced nine interceptions over the past two seasons, while McLeod has only produced eight picks in his four seasons with the Eagles.

Harris has also been a shut-down coverage safety, rarely allowing completions, no matter his assignment.

Ironically, the 6-foot-1, 202-pound safety attended the University of Virginia, just like McLeod. He comes from a winning program in Minnesota and possesses ideal size at the position. With former defensive backs coach Cory Undlin serving as the new defensive coordinator in Detroit, the Eagles may want to change things up in the secondary.

Harris could be used as a replacement for McLeod and serve as a leader in the secondary. If the Eagles were to move on from Malcolm Jenkins, Harris would also need to step up as a veteran presence in the defensive backfield.

While the Eagles haven’t spent heavily on outside free agents in recent years, the 28-year-old safety is coming off back-to-back impressive seasons with the Vikings. He would make sense as the new tone-setter in the secondary, even at a lofty price.

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Mike Kaye may be reached at mkaye@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @Mike_E_Kaye. Find NJ.com on Facebook.