What the Patriots need to do to repeat as Super Bowl champions next year

Revis showed that he is still among the top three cover men in the league this year, and when it comes to flat-out skill at mirroring an opposing receiver and taking him out of the play, he is in a class by himself. Revis, 29, is nearly as fast as he was in his prime years with the Jets, and his intelligence, technique and experience make him a given on an every-game basis. He is going to win the battle and eliminate elite receivers 95 percent of the time.

In addition to Revis, the Pats have six other players who are likely to be free agents at the start of the signing period. Placekicker Stephen Gostkowski, offensive guard Dan Connolly, free safety Devin McCourty, running back Shane Vereen, running back Stevan Ridley and outside linebacker Akeem Ayers will have the chance to avail their services to the highest bidder.

Belichick may not see it like this, but re-signing Gostkowski, McCourty, Vereen and Connolly would seem to be essential.

Next: Free-agent specifics