What is Next for Michael Lombardi? A Job With the Patriots, Reportedly

If you want to start crying in laughter, head on over to our Patriots affiliate, where they are crediting former Browns general manager Michael Lombardi for being the mastermind behind acquiring draft picks for Colt McCoy and Trent Richardson, bringing in an "excellent coaching unit" in Rob Chudzinski, Ray Horton, and Norv Turner, and "opening up cap space in 2014." I'm not kidding, folks.

With that in mind, Patriots fans might get their wish. According to Chris Fedor of 92.3 the Fan, there were rumblings that Bill Belichick could finally be bringing his good friend into the organization in some capacity:

Nothing finalized with Michael Lombardi yet but it's looking like he may be headed back to New England.

— Chris Fedor (@ChrisFedor) February 13, 2014

Dustin Fox, who is a colleague of Fedor's at 92.3 the Fan, also heard that Lombardi has also been contacted by TV networks and NFL teams about a gig:

Former #Browns GM Michael Lombardi has been approached by numerous TV networks and a few NFL teams since his departure from the team.

— Dustin Fox (@DustinFox37) February 12, 2014

Not too long ago, Daryl Ruiter of 92.3 the Fan makes it sound like it's almost official that Lombardi will be brought on board with the Patriots:

Michael Lombardi expected to take a personnel job with Patriots - his exact title still being worked out; @NEPD_Loyko reporting same

— Daryl Ruiter (@RuiterWrongFAN) February 13, 2014