Belichick must spend wisely to find premiere playmaker

Within one of the largest holes in the Patriots’ roster lies a trap.

The trap will spring in one week, if the Pats strike a deal with an elite wide receiver at the start of free agency. The contract would likely start at $16 million per year and represent the first falling domino in a line that will lead back to mediocrity. Because new research into modern team-building reveals what the NFL’s sharpest front offices have known for years: freeagent spending doesn’t lead to winning. Generally, if you spend big, you lose bigger. Wide receivers command the third-highest average annual salaries among elite players at other positions, trailing only quarterbacks and pass-rushers. Swing big on a No. 1 wideout and miss, and you’ve instantly wasted a sizable chunk of precious cap space. So here’s a better approach for the Patriots: choke up, and take a couple hacks.

Particularly for teams like the Pats, who own some of the NFL’s worst receiving corps, no one free agent can fix their problems. Instead, the Patriots should pursue two starting-caliber players for the price of a No. 1. Together, they’re more likely to provide greater on-field production, and therefore better return on investment. Not to mention, each offers insurance against losing the other to injury, whereas signing a Will Fuller V or Chris Godwin or Kenny Golladay, should they go untagged, includes no such safety net.

Economics aside, the Pats need two starters to recalibrate their depth chart. Jakobi Meyers is the team’s only startingcaliber receiver in an era when more than 80% of teams are playing most offensive snaps with three wideouts — including the Patriots.

Finding two viable starters is the key to unlocking a potent passing attack again. Whether these wideouts are No. 2 or No. 3 quality doesn’t matter. Field capable players at fair value, and winning will follow.

Here’s how the Pats can win again at wide receiver.