There’s a lot to be excited about for the Patriots now that the season is over. The Patriots have 7/1 odds to win the Super Bowl next year, according to Las Vegas. And thanks to a core group of players returning in their prime and top free agents expected to re-sign, fans should be optimistic about the upcoming offseason as well. Here’s why.

Kraft wants Welker back The best receiver in Patriots history and arguably the best owner in football want to continue the marriage. So this illustrious marriage should go on. The optimism is strong here.

Solid on the offensive line The Patriots have four of their five starting offensive linemen under contract. Only Sebastian Vollmer, rated as one of the best tackles in the league, is a free agent. If the Patriots re-sign Vollmer, they’ll have continuity in a core group that should put the team on solid ground going into training camp.

Brady’s not slowing down Forget the phantom injury that kept him out of the Pro Bowl. Call it fatigue… of meaningless games. Brady had another fantastic season and continues to set the bar for efficiency and ball control. He posted 4,827 passing yards, 34 touchdowns to 8 interceptions, and a 98.7 quarterback rating. And he’s still hungry for his fourth Super Bowl title.

A healthy Gronkowski A contract worth $54 million isn’t going to stop Rob Gronkowski from enjoying himself, but take comfort that he has a little less than six months to heal, rehab, and be ready for training camp in late July. Rasslin’ or not.

Hernandez should be at full speed Aaron Hernandez’s ankle woes, limiting him in practice up until the AFC divisional round of the playoffs, will likely be alleviated by the long rest of the offseason. The renewed health will certainly add some spurt to the tight end’s now famous jukes. And coupled with Gronkowski, the Patriots offense will be at full firepower.

A clear view of the talent The Patriots now know with certainty where Devin McCourty plays best, and in turn know exactly what position to target in order to shore up the team’s porous secondary. Fixing the 29th ranked pass defense is a lot easier when you have a plan.

Belichick will be back The Patriots coach made sure to remind the faithful he would be back for his 14th season as the team’s head coach. “You’ll have to deal with me again next year,” Belichick said. “I know that’s disappointing for a lot of you. Till I’m told otherwise, I plan on being here.” Belichick is now the longest tenured head coach in the league.

Talented rookies could have tremendous second year Chandler Jones, who was hobbled by both ankles as the season ended, is not the only Patriots rookie who will come back a veteran and presumably smarter more developed. Safety Tavon Wilson will have the opportunity to take a step forward. Despite early stumbles in coverage, he has the physical tools necessary to help the team in the long-term. Rookies Alfonzo Dennard and Dont’a Hightower are only expected to be better. And backup offensive lineman Markus Zusevics isn’t being kept around for his good looks.

Lots of flexibility with free agents The Patriots have 18 free agents and five draft picks. Only three of the team’s free agents are starters, making the process to build and cultivate an improved roster much easier for Belichick and director of player personnel Nick Caserio.