Free agent defensive end Lawrence Jackson, who has played the past three seasons for the Detroit Lions, will visit with the Minnesota Vikings according to a Los Angeles Times report.

Jackson, a former first-round draft pick, was acquired by the Lions in a 2010 trade with the Seattle Seahawks. He's appeared in 37 games for Detroit, registering 70 tackles and 13 sacks.

"Lawrence provided some good help for us on the outside the past couple years," Lions linebacker Stephen Tulloch said. "I know he's out there, back in California, working hard. If we can get him back, that would help us."

The Lions are still short-handed at defensive end heading into the NFL draft. The team moved on from last season's starters, releasing Kyle Vanden Bosch and allowing Cliff Avril to join the Seahawks via free agency. Detroit returns Willie Young and Ronnell Lewis and signed Jason Jones to a three-year contract.