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A year ago at this time, linebacker Kyle Van Noy and the New York Giants seemed like a match made in heaven in free agency.
Van Noy, who hit the free-agent market in 2020, was setup for a big pay day after four productive seasons with the New England Patriots from 2016-19, where Giants head coach Joe Judge served as special teams coordinator.
The 29-year-old also went as far as to heavily endorse Judge and drop a “go Giants” on media personality Pat McAfee’s show. That ignited the Giants’ enthusiastic fanbase, who were hungry for their team to go out and make a splash at linebacker.
But instead, Van Noy opted to sign with the Miami Dolphins for four years and $51 million, which included $30 million guaranteed. And he did not disappoint in his first season in South Beach, posting 69 tackles, six sacks and 10 tackles for a loss.
Oddly enough, Cameron Wolfe of ESPN reported on Tuesday that the Dolphins intend to release Van Noy if they cannot find a trade partner after just one year despite his solid campaign.
And while the Giants signed standout middle linebacker Blake Martinez to a three-year, $30 million deal last year, they are now in position to potentially add another significant piece to their linebacking corps by reuniting Van Noy and Judge.
Given his ability to play inside, outside and with his hand on the ground, Van Noy is the versatile type of player that Judge and defensive coordinator Patrick Graham are looking for and would be a great addition to a defense that is in need of edge rushers.
Van Noy would be a major upgrade next to Martinez, which is where linebackers’ Devante Downs and Tae Crowder played the majority of their snaps last season.
By getting rid of Van Noy, the Dolphins are expected to save $9.75 million in cap space in 2021 as they plan on replacing him with the third-year man out of Wisconsin in Andrew Van Ginkel.
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