Teams around the NFL are making moves to shed salary cap space before the new league year. In one of those moves, the New England Patriots released linebacker Kyle Van Noy today.
By cutting Van Noy, the Patriots save just shy of $5 million in cap space. Van Noy is also free to sign with another team as soon as he pleases without waiting for free agency to open next week.
An eight-year NFL veteran, Van Noy had two stints in New England. He was acquired via trade with the Detroit Lions midway through the 2016 season and stayed with the Patriots through the 2019 campaign.
After one season with Miami, Van Noy returned to New England for 2021. Now, the two-time Super Bowl champ, who turns 31 later this month, will look to continue his career elsewhere.
Judging by the reaction to the move, it seems like many think Van Noy can still contribute, but that his release made sense for a Patriots team that is desperately looking to get younger on defense.
Van Noy, 30, finished with 66 tackles and was second on the team with five sacks.
The Patriots need to get faster on defense. They have a lot of youth at LB and need to figure it out with Josh Uche, Chase Winovich, Anfernee Jennings, Ronnie Perkins and Cam McGrone. https://t.co/HnvnJ88QRn
— Mark Daniels (@MarkDanielsPJ) March 7, 2022
Former Patriots LB hits the market if former Patriots coach/exec are interested for #Raiders https://t.co/Q8xqjAB5Bt
— Josh Dubow (@JoshDubowAP) March 7, 2022
I’m a fan of KVN but this is the right decision to me what I was expecting.
Cap relief and the Patriots need to get to younger at LB. https://t.co/x8YNMBtG24
— Jimmy Talks Pats (@JimmyTalksPats) March 7, 2022
Second year in a row that Van Noy played well but still got released.
Signed a 2-year deal last year, but only the first year had any guaranteed money. Saves Patriots $5m in cash and salary cap.
Played in 75.1 percent of snaps in 2021, so Patriots will need a new starting LB https://t.co/14d9mddPSa
— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) March 7, 2022
Reports out yesterday the Patriots were trying to free some money for JC Jackson. @abc6 #foreverne https://t.co/4lrDJshSXs
— Ian Steele (@IanSteeleABC6) March 7, 2022
Further proof the #Patriots will be drafting on defense in the draft. Time to get younger and faster. https://t.co/WT3Y5ssMXd
— Kevin Tame Jr. (@Kevin_Tame) March 7, 2022
KVN’s 2nd Patriots tenure ends with 21.5 career sacks and 3 TDs
Oh, and 2 Super Bowl rings 💍💍 https://t.co/0JeBQ3KWUd
— Ethan Hurwitz (@HurwitzSports) March 7, 2022
In 16 games (eight starts) for the Patriots in 2021, Van Noy recorded 66 tackles, five sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and returned an interception for a touchdown.
Teams looking for some experienced help at outside linebacker could do a lot worse than bringing him in if the price is right.
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