“I kind of view myself in the Tyrann Mathieu mold.”
Kyle Van Noy sits on a list as one of the New England Patriots’ most important free agents.
His impact since joining the team in 2016 has been remarkable, setting him up for a top-tier contract. Van Noy joins Tom Brady, Devin McCourty, Jamie Collins, Matthew Slater and Joe Thuney as high priority guys for New England to retain. Given the Patriots’ history, they won’t dish out money to probably half of this list.
Leaving the 28-year-old linebacker with some uncertainty over the next week. Van Noy caught up with NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo this week and discussed his pending free agency.
“It is interesting, but I’m going to be honest, I want to be a priority for a team and I feel I have to go where someone is going to make me a priority,” Van Noy said. “I’m sure New England knows that. If that opportunity comes, it comes.
“I’ll be frank, I don’t see myself waiting around. I’m pretty sure those guys aren’t going to wait around either. They’re really good at their craft. They’re at the top of the league at their position so it’ll be interesting.”
If the Patriots haven’t worked on a contract with Van Noy by now, it’s likely they’re willing to let him go. So, what will the market be like for a player like Van Noy? He doesn’t fit the typical mold of a linebacker, due to his uncanny ability to rush the passer and play multiple roles.
He made a very distinct comparison of how to categorize him on the field.
“That’s been the main topic for me: What’s your position?” Van Noy said. “But like I tell everybody, how good of a football player do you want? Someone who can do it all? I don’t want a position.
“I kind of view myself in the Tyrann Mathieu mold. Obviously, we play different positions but he’s a football player. I view myself the same way. I can play on the ball, off the ball, I can drop into coverage, I can rush the passer, I can do every single thing you want.”
Van Noy finished last season career-highs in forced fumbles (3), tackles for loss (7), quarterback hits (15) and sacks (6.5). He’s going to field a competitive market, likely somewhere between $7 million $9 million per year.
The Patriots traded a second-round pick for Van Noy, helping him blossom into a two-time Super Bowl champion. Regardless of his team in 2020, he’ll remain a valuable asset on and off the field.
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