New England Patriots: Roster in good shape to make run at three-peat

Fresh off their fifth Super Bowl win, the New England Patriots have a goal of going back-to-back in 2017. But their roster is set up to win three in a row if all goes well.

The current contract situations for many of the key members of the New England Patriots has a very positive outlook. After seeing the Pittsburgh Penguins become the first repeat NHL champions in 19 years, the Patriots hope to follow suit.

In fact, New England’s roster is set up to win three straight Super Bowls. That is, if the players can stay healthy and perform up to expectations the next two seasons. ESPN Boston’s Mike Reiss broke down the contract length for many of the Patriots on Monday, and the possibility of winning multiple Super Bowls the next few years looks promising.

Reiss reported that newly-acquired wide receiver Brandin Cooks could “be in position to command a significant contract” after his current deal expires following 2018. Cooks is one young impact player who has impressed coaches so far. With him under contract through 2018 though, New England is getting him at a bargain price.

Fellow wide receiver Chris Hogan, kicker Stephen Gostkowski and new running back Mike Gillislee are other key players signed through at least 2018. Leading receiver Julian Edelman also recently got a contract extension through 2019.

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The significance of Edelman’s deal is that the contracts of quarterback Tom Brady and tight end Rob Gronkowski also expire after that season. Brady was just named the best quarterback over 30 years old, and he will turn 40 this year. If Brady, Gronkowski and Edelman can all stay on the field, a three-peat is not out of the question. But first, the Patriots need to become the first repeat Super Bowl champs since they last did it 13 years ago.