The Packers passed on picking up the fifth-year option on former first-round pick Datone Jones a year ago. Now he's visiting the Vikings on Monday and Tuesday, a league source told the Star Tribune.
Jones, 26, is the second Packers free agent to visit the Vikings in as many days, touring Winter Park a day after running back Eddie Lacy made his visit in Minnesota. He's the first defender to make a reported free agent visit to the Vikings. NFL Media first reported Jones' trip to Minnesota.
An outside linebacker in Green Bay's 3-4 front last season, Jones shed weight last summer to move from defensive end. The 6-foot-4-inch defender is still listed at 285 pounds by the Packers and could join an already strong Vikings defensive line.
Jones made seven starts in four seasons with the Packers, compiling nine sacks, seven pass deflections and one interception. The UCLA product played with Vikings linebackers Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks in college.
The Vikings also inquired about free agent cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman, a league source confirmed to the Star Tribune.
Robey-Coleman, 25, was released by the Bills last week after four seasons that included 15 starts. He could provide competition in the slot, where Captain Munnerlyn left to sign with the Panthers.
