Michael Lombardi’s influence on the New England Patriots has extended into 2015 free agency.
Yahoo! Sports’ Rand Getlin reported Monday that the Patriots are “in the running” for free-agent pass rusher Jabaal Sheard, who played for the Cleveland Browns. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Seattle Seahawks and Cincinnati Bengals also have shown interest in Sheard, Getlin noted.
Lombardi, who now serves as an assistant to the Patriots’ coaching staff, was the Browns’ general manager in 2013. The Patriots have signed multiple former Browns players since Lombardi came on board, including wide receivers Brian Tyms and Jonathan Krause, linebacker Eric Martin and running back Dion Lewis.
Sheard started 50 games during his four years with the Browns after being a second-round draft pick in 2011. The 6-foot-3, 264-pound pass rusher has 23 sacks and seven forced fumbles from the defensive end and outside linebacker positions.
Sheard started just five games last season, but he had 30 total pressures. The Patriots could use him to take some wear and tear off Chandler Jones and Rob Ninkovich, both of whom play nearly every defensive snap.
Thumbnail photo via Ron Schwane/USA TODAY Sports Images
