Once a long snapper that didn’t stick in New Orleans, Rob Ninkovich has carved out a nice role as a starting linebacker in New England.
The Patriots rewarded him for it before Monday night’s game, according to Brian McIntyre. The team signed Ninkovich to a two-year, $4 million extension through 2013 that included a $2 million signing bonus. The deal has since confirmed by multiple Patriots beat writers.
It’s a fair deal for a player that can handle a variety of roles with the team.
It’s appropriate Ninkovich signed the deal right before playing Miami. He broke out last year with a big performance on Monday Night Football.