ST. LOUIS--The St. Louis Rams announced today a trade in which they have acquired Grant Williams, a versatile, veteran offensive tackle from the New England Patriots. The Patriots received an undisclosed draft choice.

Williams, 6-7, 320 pounds, is a seven-year NFL veteran who has started 35 of 85 career games, playing both the left and right tackle positions.

'He can play each with equal proficiency,' said Rams coach Mike Martz. 'He gives us another good player in that area and he's a guy who has played in big games and played well.'

Williams started 4 games in 2001 and played more than two quarters of Super Bowl 36 against the Rams in place of the injured Matt Light. Williams started eight games for the Patriots in 2000 and 15 games and one playoff game for the Seattle Seahawks in 1999.

Williams originally signed with Seattle in 1996 as a rookie free agent from Louisiana Tech.