The Patriots have plenty of free-agent wide receivers and tight ends to choose from, if they decide to upgrade the offense that way.

Bill Belichick’s big problem is that wide receivers always get among the most lucrative free-agent contracts in the NFL, regardless of position. The Patriots have never spent big at the position, but have a reasonably successful track record of identifying players on lower-level deals that outperform their value at the time of signing.

It’s more likely that you see Belichick make a signing along the lines of Danny Amendola, who was a bit of a surprise at the time but earned every penny of his five-year, $31 million contract with clutch playoff performances. Expect another team to take the plunge with Allen Robinson and other big names in the $20 million range annually.

But if Belichick decides to throw a massive curveball and make an aggressive move to add high-end talent at receiver or tight end, there are some ideal choices out there.

MORE: 11 free agents for the Patriots defense

Otherwise, expect more signings in the middle tiers. Such players may not be instant difference-makers, but they could pan out in unexpected ways like Amendola, Brandon LaFell, and others have over the years.

Belichick’s history suggests that if he wants to add a premium talent at receiver or tight end, he’ll trade a first-round pick for someone on his rookie contract. Think Brandin Cooks in 2017. So don’t hold your breath for a top-of-the-market signing among the free-agent receivers and tight ends. But the potential is there for a more affordable signing with a big payoff.

Check out our picks for the top free agent receivers and tight ends for the 2021 Patriots, ranging from a few big names to low-risk, high-reward signings.

• TE Hunter Henry

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  Henry made recent comments that he wants to play for a great quarterback. Teams with their franchise QB locked in don't necessarily line up with Henry's price tag, though. Bill Belichick loves him some Hunter Henry and will likely make a legit push to sign him. But not only will he have to pay Henry at or around the top of the market, he may need to figure out the quarterback situation first.

• WR Corey Davis

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  Davis would represent more of a Patriots-type signing. Belichick may look at Davis and see about the same player as Allen Robinson or Chris Godwin, but a guy he could get at a fraction of the price. It may help Davis that he has absolutely toasted the Patriots in the past.

• WR Kenny Golladay

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  There's a chance that Golladay fetches an elite-level contract, which would likely price the Patriots out. But at the same time, Golladay has consistently had trouble staying on the field (he's averaged 11.8 games played per season). When he's on the field, he's one of the league's better big-play outside receiving threats. He'd be a good fit for what the Patriots like in an "X" receiver, but the question is the price.
• WR Curtis Samuel

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  As far as a speedy, shifty and versatile wideout, Samuel is one of the more underrated commodities in football. He's coming off a 77-catch season for a rebuilding Panthers offense. The Patriots could offer him a competitive contract without breaking the bank, and Belichick would know what to do with a player like him.

• TE Jonnu Smith

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  Smith made only 41 catches and drew only 65 targets, but he made the most of his touches with a career-high eight touchdowns. He'd be the kind of receiving threat the Patriots have sorely lacked at tight end for a couple of years now. His deal likely wouldn't be much of a hindrance to the Patriots' budget, and his presence could actually help the development of Devin Asiasi and Dalton Keene.

• WR Marvin Jones

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  Belichick has to love Jones' consistency. He's averaged 67 catches, 962 yards, and eight touchdowns per 16 games over the past six seasons. He's played at least 13 games five times since 2014. He's never mentioned among the league's best, most dependable receivers, but he gets the job done. Sounds like a Patriot.
• WR Keelan Cole

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  Cole is an example of someone who, for whatever reason, has torn up the Patriots in joint practices and at times in real games. The Patriots like to bring those guys in sometimes. Cole would certainly give them an element of explosiveness that they relatively lack at receiver.

• WR Alex Erickson

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  Erickson has been a guy to watch for the Patriots since Tom Brady still played here. He's the kind of quick, tough, versatile slot receiver Belichick tends to like. He'd have a great chance to make the team on an affordable contract.

• WR Breshad Perriman

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  A former first-round pick who has bounced between four teams in his career, Perriman's stock couldn't be lower after his catches and yards dipped to 30-505 with only three touchdowns in 2020. He's the kind of receiver the Patriots would take a flyer on in free agency.
• TE Gerald Everett

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  Everett's receiving numbers and blocking have both steadily improved over his first four years in the NFL. He still has untapped potential as a combo tight end and likely won't command an expensive contract. The Patriots could easily pay him well and can use a solid, established guy to group with Devin Asiasi and Dalton Keene.

Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @mattydsays. You can also email him at mdolloff@985thesportshub.com.

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