ESPN Boston believes DE Rob Ninkovich is a candidate for a contract extension this offseason.
Ninkovich was among the Patriots' most valuable 2012 defenders, leading the team with eight sacks and forcing five fumbles. Thanks to playing time and performance incentives, his 2013 base salary -- the final year of his contract -- has already jumped from $900,000 to $1.4 million. After the Patriots address free agency, Ninkovich could be in line to get a couple years tacked on. He'll turn 29 on Friday.













