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Patriots acquire right tackle Mike Williams from Lions

New Patriot offensive lineman Mike Williams played tight end at Alabama.File/USA Today

The Patriots bolstered their offensive line on Tuesday, trading for Lions reserve right tackle Mike Williams, a league source told the Globe. Terms of the trade are not yet known, and the deal will not become official until Williams passes his physical.

Williams, 24, is entering his third NFL season after being drafted in the seventh round out of Alabama in 2013, but has yet to play in a game. He missed his entire rookie season with a broken hand, and spent the 2014 season on the Lions' practice squad.

Williams, 6 feet 6 inches and 316 pounds, gives the Patriots more athleticism at offensive tackle. He entered the NFL as a tight end after starting 40 games at the position at Alabama, and was one of the Crimson Tide's most dependable run blockers. Williams didn't transition to offensive tackle until last season, and the Patriots almost signed him off the Lions' practice squad, according to a league source.

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Williams still is a project at offensive tackle, but his arrival could be trouble for one of the Patriots' other offensive tackles — Nate Solder, Sebastian Vollmer, Marcus Cannon or Cameron Fleming. Williams's arrival also could put a roster spot in jeopardy for third tight end Michael Hoomanawanui or fullback James Develin.


Ben Volin can be reached at ben.volin@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @BenVolin