Reports: Patriots trade for Lions OT Mike Williams

The Patriots have reportedly acquired Lions offensive tackle Mike Williams for a seventh-round pick.

The Patriots have reportedly acquired Lions offensive tackle Mike Williams for a seventh-round pick.

Ben Volin of the Boston Globe first reported the news. ESPN's Field Yates confirmed the report, adding that New England would send a future seventh-rounder to Detroit.

The 24-year-old Williams was a seventh-round selection out of Alabama in 2013, entering the league as a tight end by trade. He sat out his rookie season with a broken hand and spent the 2014 season on Detroit's practice squad, where he transitioned to offensive tackle and was reportedly almost signed by the Patriots.

New England gains depth and athleticism along its offensive line with the trade. Nate Solder and Sebastian Vollmer are the starters at left and right tackle. Marcus Cannon is currently listed as the backup at both positions.

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- Jeremy Woo