3 Former Patriots Who Could Win Super Bowl LIV

Super Bowl LIV in Miami is set. The top-seeded San Francisco 49ers and their stout defense take on the explosive offense of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Many NFL fans are pleased that there's a team other than the New England Patriots competing for the Lombardi Trophy. However, there are some former Patriots blood that have the opportunity to win the Super Bowl in South Beach.

3. Mike Pennel

Ex-Patriots defensive tackle Mike Pennel is set to play in his first Super Bowl. / Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images

Defensive tackle Mike Pennel was signed by the Patriots last March. However, the 28-year-old was cut at the conclusion of training camp. Pennel joined the Chiefs in October, and he's stuck on as a rotational defensive lineman. In eight regular season games, Pennel recorded 24 tackles and one sack. Once the playoffs started, Pennel etched his spot as a starter, where he recorded six tackles in Kansas City's two games. Now, he has the chance to flaunt a Super Bowl ring to the Patriots for letting him go five months ago.

2. Wes Welker

Wes Welker has the chance to earn his first-ever Super Bowl as a coach. / Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images

Before Julian Edelman, Wes Welker was Tom Brady's reliable target in the passing game. Despite making two Super Bowl appearances with the Patriots, Welker never was able to lift the Lombardi Trophy, thanks to losses to the New York Giants. Now, Welker returns to the big game as the 49ers' wide receivers coach. When looking at the progression of rookie Deebo Samuel, you have to give credit to Welker. He couldn't win the Super Bowl as a player, but now he has the chance to accomplish the feat as a coach. Better late than never.

1. Jimmy Garoppolo

Jimmy Garoppolo went from Tom Brady's backup to 49ers franchise quarterback. / Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

Jimmy Garoppolo was drafted in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft to be the heir to Tom Brady's throne in New England. But Brady showed no signs of slowing down at the time, and forced the Patriots' hand to trade Garoppolo before he hit free agency. The 49ers pounced on the opportunity, and after a 6-0 start in San Francisco, the team signed him to a lucrative five-year contract. It paid off in the second season of the deal, as Garoppolo, paired with a potent rushing attack, brought the 49ers to the Super Bowl.