Jackson joins Detroit D-line

Former Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jackson agreed to a three-year, $8 million contract with the Detroit Lions on Wednesday.

“I feel like the Falcons wanted to go in another direction,” said Jackson, who was impressed with new Detroit coach Jim Schwartz.

Jackson is the fifth player who was a starter at some point last season to leave the Falcons’ defense since free agency started Friday.

Today, tight end L.J. Smith and center Brett Romberg will visit with Falcons officials. Both are unrestricted free agents. Smith played last season with the Eagles and Romberg with the Rams.

Jackson played mostly on first and second downs and was critical to helping the defense stop the run.

The Falcons have re-signed tackles Jonathan Babineaux and Jason Jefferson, who was Jackson’s backup last season. They also have tackle Kindal Moorehead and Jamaal Anderson, who will split between tackle and end. They also hope Trey Lewis can return from two knee surgeries.