Tag: Michael Lombardi

Why Michael Lombardi believes Patriots are front-runners for Matthew Stafford

Cap space plays a huge factor in acquiring Matthew Stafford.

At this point, it’s difficult to believe Cam Newton and the New England Patriots will pair together for the 2021 season.

Bill Belichick has the No. 15 overall pick in the draft and it’s unlikely he chooses one of the available quarterbacks, despite the great selection at hand. Belichick, 68, isn’t in a situation where a slow rebuild is ideal, so choosing a veteran that can maintain the offense behind an elite defense will be essential.

Not many veteran free agents fit that mold. Tom Brady’s departure clearly was more detrimental than many expected and there’s few available quarterbacks who can even replicate half of the 43-year-old’s abilities. But, Matthew Stafford is an intriguing option that will be available if the Patriots choose to pursue him.

The 12-year veteran is parting ways with the Detroit Lions this offseason, but he still has $20 million due in 2021 and $23 million in 2022. It’s a hefty tab to pick up for a 32-year-old quarterback with only three playoff games under his belt.

Regardless, former Patriots executive Michael Lombardi showed some belief in the idea that New England could land him via trade.

As for the other NFC North quarterback making waves, Stafford will have many suitors. The Colts and the Patriots are the front-runners as they’re the two teams that have the cap room to handle Stafford right away. Stafford has a $20 million cap charge that cannot be reworked until he is on his new team. The team that trades for him must have the room to take on his deal, then they can lower his cap charge. Many teams can handle his cash and salary; few can handle that initial charge, which is why the Colts and Patriots are in front.

There isn’t any real reports on the Patriots closing in on Stafford through trade, but the addition of Matt Patricia will likely play a factor — for good or bad. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Detroit is expecting at least a first-round pick, which the Patriots would be capable of they saw the value of attaining Stafford.

New England’s quarterback search is still completely in the air, but so is the rest of the roster — Belichick has his work cut out for him.

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Michael Lombardi explains why Sony Michel may miss half the season

Lombardi indicated why Michel may miss half of the 2020 season.

Could New England Patriots running back Sony Michel miss the first half of the 2020 season? One NFL analyst thinks so. Former Patriots executive Michael Lombardi predicted that Michel would stay on the physically unable to perform list throughout the summer.

Michel had foot surgery this offseason, and ankle and knee injuries are nothing new to him. If he were to stay on the PUP list, he would have to miss the first six weeks of the season.

New England has depth at the position, and added to it this week with Lamar Miller. Damien Harris, James White, JJ Taylor, and Rex Burkhead also figure to be part of the equation at running back.

“I think Sony Michel is probably destined for PUP/reserve,” Lombarid said. “I think he’ll probably miss the first half of the season. I don’t think there’s any chance they’re going to rush him back. With his ankle, I think that train is gonna take a little bit of time to get out of the station.”

Michel rushed for 912 yards and seven touchdowns last season. The Patriots would love to have him healthy, as he undoubtedly has the role of feature back in this offense. Perhaps in response to Michel’s injury, New England signed veteran running back Lamar Miller this offseason. He’ll compete against Damien Harris, 2019 third-round pick.

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Michael Lombardi says there’s ‘no doubt’ Cam Newton will win starting role

“There is no doubt he’ll win the starting job.”

The starting quarterback role is still up for grabs in New England.

It’s very hard to believe the Patriots signed Cam Newton without the intention of him starting Week 1, but they haven’t announced that. Second-year quarterback Jarrett Stidham seemed to be the team’s starter before Newton was signed and Brian Hoyer reportedly had a chance to fight for the role.

Newton, 31, has an NFL MVP and Super Bowl trip with the Carolina Panthers that backs his case. His injury history is the only real issue, but recent videos have shown his ability to freely throw the ball and move. Newton already got to work with Mohamed Sanu and N’Keal Harry within the first two weeks of getting signed and has been in touch with Julian Edelman as well.

For all these reasons, former Patriots executive Michael Lombardi showed his belief in Newton’s ability to earn the starting role. Lombardi put a simple and affective tweet up on Thursday.

It’s hard to believe Newton doesn’t win the job and his personality is perfect to replace a charismatic and passionate Tom Brady.

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Michael Lombardi likes Cam Newton’s fit for the Patriots, but ‘the timing is not right’

Why Cam Newton and the Patriots haven’t linked up.

The New England Patriots seem like one of the last teams where Cam Newton could immediately compete for a starting job.

The Patriots and the Jacksonville Jaguars have an obvious need for a veteran quarterback. The Chicago Bears and Oakland Raiders could probably use more talent at their quarterback positions, too. But New England seems like an ideal landing spot for Newton, if only because the Patriots have a history of helping veterans rejuvenate their careers and Newton is a free agent after suffering a handful of injuries in recent years.

Still, former New England Patriots executive Michael Lombardi doesn’t see a deal coming together anytime soon.

“But the Patriots have a much better team around Stidham, which will help their chances of making him successful,” Lombardi wrote in a story for The Athletic. “Still, Stidham is an unproven fourth-round pick who is believed to be the potential starter and veteran Brian Hoyer as the backup. They also have little cap room. Most of their dead cap money lies with players not currently on the roster. From Tom Brady to Antonio Brown and Stephen Gostkowski, the Pats are in salary cap jail.  They have two choices, either redo offensive guard Joe Thuney’s franchise deal or bite the bullet and wait until next season when they have upwards of almost $100 million of room.

“Still, if Newton’s medical and price tag aligns with the Patriots’ salary cap thinking, I would never rule them out as potential suitor. Newton could play well in New England. He would have to accept the structure and culture, but his love of football and his love of winning would allow him to adapt. However, the timing is not right: the Patriots don’t know his medicals and they don’t have starter money to pay.”

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