The New England Patriots are champions of the football world.

After defeating the Seattle Seahawks in a thrilling Super Bowl XLIX on Sunday, Tom Brady and the Patriots have now won their fourth Super Bowl in franchise history.

But, even the NFL world champions have work to do this offseason. The Patriots don't have a lot of free agents, but they do have a lot of key players who are set to become free agents this offseason. The most notable are Stephen Gostkowski, Stevan Ridley, Devin McCourty, Shane Vereen and possibly Darrelle Revis.

Let's start with Revis Island.

Revis had a great season with the Patriots. For the first time ever, Revis knows what it's like to be a champion. Unlike the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Patriots let Revis run man-on-man instead of a zone scheme and it worked to perfection. So, what's not to like? If the Patriots decide to exercise Revis's team option, it will result in a massive $25 million cap hit. Would Revis be willing to take less money for another championship?

Staying with the Patriots secondary, safety Devin McCourty is set to become an unrestricted free agent. McCourty isn't an elite safety, but he fits Matt Patricia's system very well, and he makes plays in the secondary. Losing both Revis and McCourty would be a huge blow for the Patriots. McCourty is just 27 years old, and he will most likely garner at least $5 million per season.

The Patriots' pass defense ranked 17th this season with McCourty and Revis; imagine without them?

The Patriots also have two running backs entering free agency. Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley are both scheduled to become unrestricted free agents this offseason. Most likely the Patriots will look to re-sign Vereen and let Ridley walk.

Vereen is a tremendous asset to have. Vereen is Tom Brady's security blanket, having 447 receiving yards this season. Vereen had a Super Bowl-high 11 receptions against the Seahawks. The Patriots know they must try and re-sign him because of his versatility. As for Ridley, the Patriots may want to let him walk. Ridley started just five games this entire season because of an injury and the Patriots still won the Super Bowl without him. Bill Belichick is a big LeGarrette Blount fan, as well.

Two other players scheduled for free agency who aren't getting much attention are linebacker Akeem Ayers and kicker Stephen Gostkowski. Ayers played very well in situation downs this year, especially with Jerod Mayo constantly hurt. Gostkowski led the NFL in field goals for the third time this previous season, and he is one of the best kickers in the league. Most likely the Patriots will find a way to re-sign their star kicker.

Dan Connolly is also an important piece to the Patriots' offense. The 32-year-old guard has done a good job protecting Brady at the line of scrimmage.

New England Patriots Free Agents

Darrelle Revis (team option)

Devin McCourty

Dan Connolly

Stephen Gostkowski

Shane Vereen

Stevan Ridley

Chris White

Danny Aiken

Akeem Ayers

Jonathan Casillas

James Develin (restricted free agent)

Brian Tyms (restricted free agent)

Sealver Siliga (restricted free agent)

Greg Orton (restricted free agent)

James Morris (exclusive restricted free agent)

Alan Branch

The NFL free agent and trading period begins on March 10 at 4 p.m. EST.

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