ALLEN PARK, Mich. — The Detroit Lions signed unrestricted free-agent defensive tackle Grady Jackson to a three-year contract Wednesday.

The 6-foot-2, 345-pound Jackson played most of the past three seasons with the Atlanta Falcons. He was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the sixth round (193rd overall) in 1997 and also has played for New Orleans, Green Bay and Jacksonville.

Jackson has 530 career tackles (383 solo), 35.5 sacks and eight forced fumbles.

In 2008, Jackson started 15 games and had 23 tackles (21 solo) and two sacks for the Falcons.