Ex-Patriots staffer Michael Lombardi says the team trading RB Dion Lewis “won't happen”

Few people know the inner workings of the New England Patriots as well as Michael Lombardi. The current columnist for The Ringer has served as the Cleveland Browns' director of players personnel under head coach Bill Belichick in the 1990s and returned to work alongside Belichick 20 years later: Lombardi worked as assistant to the Patriots' coaching staff from 2014 until the 2016 offseason.

Naturally, hearing Lombardi talk about the reigning world champions – or, as in this case, reading his tweets – always is noteworthy. Earlier today, for example, he tweeted the following with the NFL trade deadline fast approaching:

Hearing several teams trying to get Dion Lewis from the Pats---wont happen.

Neither part of Lombardi's tweet is surprising. New England has one of the deepest running back depth charts in the league right now and there was some speculation whether or not Dion Lewis could become the odd man out in case the team is looking for upgrades at other positions that lack the depth the Patriots have in their offensive backfield.

However, over the last few weeks, the 27-year old has proven his worth to the offense and turned into New England's number one running back option: Lewis saw a team-high 46 carries over the last four games, gaining 225 yards on the ground. He also added five catches for 26 yards and serves as the Patriots' kickoff returner (just yesterday against the Los Angeles Chargers, he had a 71-yard runback).

All in all, the interest in Lewis is just natural but as Lombardi stated a move should not be expected.