Patriots Super Bowl Champ Supports New England’s Latest Player Decision
The New England Patriots started off a new chapter after hiring Jerod Mayo. The new head coach announced a big wave of changes all while praising Bill Belichick’s contribution. Mayo built a different roster and his game plan relies on young talents. The Patriots made at least one surprising player decision and he seems to be heading in the right direction.
Patriots Super Bowl champion Rob Ninkovich discussed the team’s latest moves and let’s just say he endorsed the decisions Pats made.
Mayo added young players, but made sure Kendrick Bourne and Hunter Henry stay around. David Andres got a new deal and Christian Barmore signed his extension. Jahlani Tavai agreed to sign a three-year extension.
“It’s also an appreciation thing for a player who has performed well,” Ninkovich said. “I like what they’ve done with him and David, which is something I’m not sure would have happened prior to this year. It tells the younger guys that if you approach it the right way, like they did, this is what the reward can be.”
Patriots made a good decision on their talented player
Ninkovich likes Tavai and his potential. The Super Bowl champion believes that Tavai could be a game-changer for the Patriots in the upcoming season. In the 2023 NFL season, Tavai scored 110 tackles end ranked second-best right behind Ja’Whaun Bentley. Tavai saw 74% of the team’s defense snaps, reaching his career high.
“I love his energy. He plays hard,” Ninkovich said. “You need a guy like that who can do multiple things, but also get everyone in the right spots. He’s been in this system long enough where he understands his role so well that he can help others. … Him and Bent (Ja’Whaun Bentley) having played together for the last three years, that’s a good thing to keep that going. I think he has a higher ceiling and that could soon become an undervalued contract.”