Robert Kraft has hinted that the long-term deal the Patriots gave to tight end Rob Gronkowski reflects his belief's that the salary cap will grow slowly. "We're trying to always plan ahead for the future, do our strategic planning," Kraft said. "In this age of salary cap, what's going to happen in the next few years with the cap, you have to have a core group of players that you can plan around as the foundation of your team." Gronkowski's deal has salary-cap numbers of $2.66 million in 2012, $2.75 million in 2013, $5.4 million in 2014, and $8.65 million in 2015. In March, Kraft expressed doubt that the cap will jump come 2014, explaining that the increases will be "smooth."