EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — Shortly after drafting two young pieces for their defense Thursday night, the Minnesota Vikings went the way of a veteran in adding more depth along the defensive line.
Minnesota agreed to terms with defensive end Lawrence Jackson, who played the last three seasons for the Detroit Lions, a source told FOXSportsNorth.com. Reports say Jackson and the Vikings agreed to a one-year deal.
Earlier in the evening, Minnesota drafted Florida defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd at No. 23 and Florida State cornerback Xavier Rhodes with pick No. 25.
Jackson, 27, was a 2008 first-round pick by the Seattle Seahawks. He was a starter for most of his first two seasons with Seattle but has been a reserve for Detroit since. In 69 career games, Jackson has 19.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
Heading into Thursday, five of the team's top six defensive lineman are signed only through 2013. Defensive ends Jared Allen, Brian Robison and Everson Griffen and defensive tackles Kevin Williams and Fred Evans are scheduled to play next season on expiring contracts. Only starting defensive tackle Letroy Guion is signed through 2014 among the top six linemen who played last season for Minnesota.
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