New England Patriots defensive end Robert Ninkovich is serving a four-game suspension for a substance-abuse violation, but that did not stop him from getting an extension. The team signed Ninkovich through the 2017 season on Sunday, officially a one-year extension.
The defensive star was going to lose around $475,000 with this ban, but his new extension helps him earn it back. He gets a $1.5 million signing bonus, along with base salaries of $1 million each of the next two seasons.
The 32-year-old has been with the team since 2009, now a team captain on the defensive side of the ball. He had a streak of 116 consecutive games played in before the suspension, recording 47 career sacks in that span. His production on the field was enough for the team to overlook his problems off the field, and give him this new deal.
The defensive star was going to lose around $475,000 with this ban, but his new extension helps him earn it back. He gets a $1.5 million signing bonus, along with base salaries of $1 million each of the next two seasons.
The 32-year-old has been with the team since 2009, now a team captain on the defensive side of the ball. He had a streak of 116 consecutive games played in before the suspension, recording 47 career sacks in that span. His production on the field was enough for the team to overlook his problems off the field, and give him this new deal.
