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New England Patriots: 5 Players entering their final season in NE

By Marcus Stanois

Jan 22, 2017; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler (21) reacts after a play in the first half against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2017 AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2017; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler (21) reacts after a play in the first half against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2017 AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports /
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New England Patriots
Jan 22, 2017; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots outside linebacker Rob Ninkovich (50) reacts after a fumble recovery against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the third quarter in the 2017 AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /

Rob Ninkovich, DE, age 33

Rob Ninkovich joined the Patriots following short stints with the New Orleans Saints and Miami Dolphins. The former fifth-round pick has played eight seasons in New England, playing in 123 games and starting 101.

Since signing with New England, Ninkovich has levied 46 sacks and 12 forced fumbles. In addition, he had three consecutive 8 sack seasons between 2012 and 2014. Ninkovich had one sack in Super Bowl XLIX.

In 2016, Ninkovich was suspended for four games after testing positive for a banned substance. Originally, he was expected to sit out the start of the season due to a triceps injury. Ninkovich finished the season with 4 sacks and 17 tackles, plus a sack and two tackles in the playoffs.

Ninkovich will enter the final year of his contract this fall. At age 34, it’s unlikely that he’ll return to New England next season. The Patriots added four defensive ends over the offseason including Kony Ealy, Lawrence Guy, and rookies Derek Rivers and Deatrich Wise. Ninkovich has won two Super Bowls in New England and he’ll have an opportunity to chase one more in 2017.

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