Pats send future 7th-rounder to Detroit for tackle Michael Williams

According to various reports, the Patriots have acquired Lions offensive lineman Michael Williams in exchange for a future seventh-round pick.

The former tight end-turned-tackle was a seventh-round pick himself out of Alabama back in 2013 and has yet to make his NFL debut. A member of Detroit's practice squad all of last season, he suffered a broken hand that derailed his rookie campaign before it got off the ground. According to reporter Tim Twentyman, the 6-foot-6, 304-pound right tackle has been on New Engalnd's radar for a while. An insider for the Lions' official team website, Twentyman reports that New England even attempted to sign him off Detroit's practice squad last season.

Williams was earning first-team reps at different points through Lions camp with starting right tackle LaAdrian Waddle dealing with an injury, while Detroit offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi pegged Williams as Detroit's most improved offensive player this offseason. 

It'll be curious to see where Williams fits in New England's plans, as they are certainly keen on keeping the player on the roster if they surrendered a draft pick to acquire him. Behind starting tackles Nate Solder and Sebastian Vollmer, the Pats are a bit thin with just Marcus Cannon and Cameron Flemming serving as the backups. With William's presence now on the roster, perhaps the clock is ticking on one of the two.