According to ESPN’s Field Yates, the Patriots are releasing veteran linebacker Kyle Van Noy in a move that is projected to open up just under $5 million in cap space, which the team will need next week with the arrival of the new league year on Wednesday, March 15. Van Noy had returned to the Patriots after a one-year stint with the Dolphins.
ESPN’s Mike Reiss also confirmed that the move was motivated by economics, though Van Noy had a solid year after returning to the Patriots for his second stint, logging 66 total tackles, with five sacks and an interception against the Falcons that he returned for a touchdown. Van Noy was drafted in the second round by Detroit (40th overall), spending two-and-a-half underproductive seasons there before arriving initially in New England during the 2016 season via trade.
Van Noy would go on to win two Super Bowls with the Patriots and cash in during the 2020 offseason with a lucrative contract in Miami.
Patriots released LB Kyle Van Noy, per @FieldYates.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 7, 2022
Source: the Patriots are releasing starting OLB Kyle Van Noy.
A decision with salary cap roots, as moving on from the versatile Van Noy creates just under $5M in cap space.
Van Noy can sign with another team right away.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 7, 2022