Lions land Patriots safety Tavon Wilson

Lions general manager Bob Quinn hired some former Patriots employees to his staff after taking over in January, and now he’s adding a former New England player to the roster.

Safety Tavon Wilson is joining the Lions after spending the last four years with the Patriots.

The 25-year-old announced his plans to come to Detroit on Twitter, saying he looks forward to meeting coach Jim Caldwell, the Ford family and his teammates.

A second-round pick out of Illinois in 2012, Wilson has started just four games in his career, but he’ll come to the Lions with an opportunity to compete for a starting job next to Glover Quin.

Agent: Ngata returning to Lions on 2-year deal

Wilson was one of the Lions’ top free-agent targets when the legal tampering period opened on Monday. Quinn worked for the Patriots the past 16 years and clearly sees untapped potential in the safety.

At 6-foot, 215 pounds, Wilson would seem to fit the profile of a free safety, but the Lions used the 6-foot-1, 201-pound Isa Abdul-Quddus at strong safety last year. Plus, Quin is capable of playing either safety spot.

Meanwhile, multiple reports said Abdul-Quddus is set to sign with the Miami Dolphins.

The Lions will likely still look for another safety either in free agency or the draft.

jkatzenstein@detroitnews.com

twitter.com/jkatzenstein