FOXBOROW, Massachusetts. The New England Patriots have informed veteran linebacker Kyle Van Noy of their intention to release him, a source told ESPN’s Field Yates.
The move creates about $4.1 million of space above the salary cap, nearly doubling the Patriots’ total space to about $9 million.
Van Noy was scheduled to credit $7.3 million on the team’s cap, the ninth-highest by any player.
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Van Noy, who turns 31 on March 26, signed a two-year, $12 million contract with the Patriots in March 2021 (with $6 million guaranteed). This marked his second tenure with the franchise after being part of two Super Bowl championship teams from 2016 to 2019 before signing with the Miami Dolphins in 2020.
Van Noy, 6’3″ and 250 pounds, played in 16 regular season games last season in New England, tackling a total of 66 and finishing fourth on the team. He also had five sacks (second most among a Patriot player) and 10 passes defended, in addition to a forced fumble and return interception for a touchdown.
Van Noy’s ability to play both on and off the line of scrimmage has increased his value in the Patriots’ multifaceted scheme. The defense faltered, ending in a 47–17 playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills in which the team did not force a hit.
He acknowledged the possibility of not returning in an interview with WEEI sports radio on March 2 when he said, “There are a lot of decisions to be made… I’m under contract for another year, but you never know.”