Rookie second-round pick Nate Allen agreed to terms on a four-year contract with the Eagles, paving the way for him to practice Wednesday morning.

The Eagles were hopeful of signing the University of South Florida product, who they project as the starting free safety, before he missed the first two practices Tuesday.

With 3 1-2 weeks of Bethlehem boot camp, Allen has plenty of time to make it up – after he passes the physical this morning.

Allen earned the starting job by outperforming veterans Macho Harris and Quintin Demps during the offseason camps. The loss of Marlin Jackson to a torn Achilles’ tendon also helped move Allen up the depth chart.

Rookie seventh-round pick Kurt Coleman (Ohio State) also might mount a challenge after missing all of the offseason due to NCAA rules regarding school graduation dates. Coleman was aggressive at the first two practices.