Now, for the first time in his career, Ninkovich has some professional security: The 28-year-old signed a two-year extension worth $4 million last September, and has clearly claimed a spot as a part of New England’s defensive foundation. Pro Football Focus has him graded at 10.4 for the year overall, the fourth-best figure on the roster, and he’s on pace to hit double digits in sacks for the first time in his career.