The New England Patriots continue to retool the back end of their offensive line through a swath of August trade action.
Two weeks after acquiring guard Ryan Groy from the Chicago Bears, Bill Belichick and Co. landed tackle Michael Williams from the Detroit Lions in exchange for an undisclosed future draft pick, the Patriots announced. NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport first reported the news.
It's not a swap destined to shake the foundation of the NFL, but New England sees something they like out of the 2013 seventh-rounder. The 6-foot-6, 316-pound Williams played snaps at right tackle and bookend this preseason in Detroit after spending his days at Alabama as a tight end. He drew pre-draft comparisons to Matt Spaeth, but Williams has never appeared in a regular-season game and isn't a threat for starting snaps in New England.
Assuming the Pats don't see more in Williams as a reserve tight end, look for him to work behind tackles Nate Solder and Sebastian Vollmer and alongside reserves Marcus Cannon, Cameron Fleming and Chris Martin.
The latest Around The NFL Podcast discusses Jordy Nelson's knee injury and gives its winners and losers from Week 2 of the preseason.
