Scott Pioli sees blueprint with Patriots’ approach in free agency

Former New England Patriots executive Scott Pioli knows a thing or two when it comes to Bill Belichick and offseason planning. With New England taking a conservative approach to free agency, Pioli is urging Patriots fans to be patient.

He began his career with the Patriots as the assistant director of player personnel in 2000. He then took on the title of director of player personnel in 2001. Moving quickly up the staffing ranks, he assumed the role of the vice president of player personnel in 2002, and held that title until 2008.

With the Patriots spending $175 million in free agency last year, the quiet approach does not surprise Pioli, as transcribed by WEEI’s Alex Reimer.

“Player acquisition isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon,” Pioli said. “Just like the season. Last year the entire league was in a depressed market, so the Patriots went out and spent two years worth of free agency money and they received tremendous value. You look at the financial terms a year later and they look very good.”

“The first wave of free agency has ended,” Pioli said. “We’re now into this second wave. In this second wave, there’s a new free agency, because once players are signed, [other] players get cut. So now there are even more players [available]. After the draft, there will be more players cut. After the 53-man cut, there will be more players available in free agency. So building a football team and building a roster is something that takes a lot of work, a lot of time, and a lot of patience.”

With the NFL draft a month away the Patriots have holes to fill. With the wide receiver position being particularly deep, New England could fill a need given the depth at the position. The draft is only a piece of the equation, and it will be interesting to see how New England fills the rest of the gap.