The Vikings are preparing to make two first round selections next week, but they are also taking a look at adding a guy that once was selected 28th overall by the Seattle Seahawks.
Free agent defensive end Lawrence Jackson was reportedly scheduled to meet with the Vikings today. Jackson was a standout at USC before being selected by Seattle in 2008. He played with the Lions over the last three seasons and has never quite lived up to his draft position. Over the course of his career Jackson after starting 24 games during his two seasons in Seattle and none with the Lions.
He has only generated 98 tackles, 19.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, and two recoveries in his five seasons. Still, at age 28, he could certainly provide the Vikings with some interesting depth at their most talented position heading into training camp. Defensive ends Jared Allen, Brian Robison, and Everson Griffen are all due to be free agents following this season.
Signing a guy like Jackson would all but eliminate the need to draft a pass rusher next week.
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I've got to believe that they would be looking at a one year minimum deal with him, and because of that I would not expect it to effect the draft much if at all. That position in particular is one they seem to like to have some extra veteran competition at the last couple years. They will still need to be thinking about next year when all of these guys are free agents. I'm still a little surprised that they haven't added another receiver. I believe Barden is still out there and this would sure be a good time to throw out some minimum contract offers to guys for camp competition and depth.