The Montreal Alouettes have acquired wide receiver Chris Williams from the B.C. Lions for defensive lineman Gabe Knapton.

Williams joined the Lions prior to the 2017 season, but failed to top 1,000 receiving yards for the first time in his CFL career. In nine games with B.C., he caught 38 passes for 415 yards and one touchdown.

The 30-year-old crossed the 1,200-yard mark in consecutive seasons with the Ottawa Redblacks from 2015-2016. He began his CFL career with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2011.

Knapton, 28, has spent the past four seasons with the Alouettes. He posted 38 tackles and three sacks last season. Knapton owns 32 sacks across his 68-game CFL career, posting a career-high 11 in 2015.

"We identified our defensive line as one of our primary areas of need heading into next season and Gabriel is a significant acquisition for us," said Lions general manager Ed Hervey said in a release. "He brings a unique combination of athleticism and leadership to our defense and I know our fans will appreciate the energy he brings to the defensive end position."