Veteran outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy is signing with the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad. The move reunites the 35-year-old defender with defensive coordinator Brian Flores, with whom he previously won two Super Bowls during their time together in New England.
Reunion in Minnesota Under Brian Flores
Sources indicated that the agreement puts Van Noy in purple, initially placing him on the practice squad to help him get up to speed with the defensive scheme.
This signing marks another chapter in the professional relationship between Van Noy and Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores. The pair previously spent four seasons together with the New England Patriots, capturing a pair of Super Bowl titles. Their working relationship extended to Miami in 2020, where Van Noy signed with the Dolphins when Flores served as head coach.
Van Noy and DC Brian Flores won two Super Bowls together with the Patriots. Now they’re teaming up in Minnesota, where Van Noy will start on the practice squad to get up to speed.
Tom Pelissero, via Netflix
Fit Within the Edge Rusher Rotation
Van Noy arrives in Minnesota after spending the past three seasons in Baltimore. Initially selected in the second round of the 2014 NFL draft by the Detroit Lions, the 35-year-old linebacker brings extensive experience, having appeared in 173 regular-season games with 115 starts and 57.0 career sacks.
In Minnesota, Van Noy joins an edge rusher room that features Andrew Van Ginkel, Dallas Turner, Chaz Chambliss, and Bo Richter. According to league reporting details, the veteran defender will provide valuable depth behind the active group, with the possibility of elevation or a signing to the active roster if any of the five outside linebackers miss time.
System Familiarity and Leadership
Beyond providing physical depth on the edge, Van Noy brings a deep, functional understanding of the defensive system run by Flores.
Worth a look
