One of the most dominant defensive units for the New England Patriots in recent history was on the field in 2019.
The linebacker corps, aka the ‘Boogeymen’, consisted of Dont’a Hightower, Jamie Collins, Kyle Van Noy and Elandon Roberts. The secondary had Devin McCourty, Stephon Gilmore, Patrick Chung, J.C. Jackson and a slew of role players who had deep institutional knowledge. The Patriots were No. 1 in yards allowed per game (275.9), No. 2 in pass yards allowed per game (180.4), No. 1 in interceptions (25) and No. 6 in rush yards allowed per game (95.5).
Van Noy, who won two Super Bowls with the team, was a huge part of that crew and he was also a part of the mass exodus in the 2019 offseason. He left to the Miami Dolphins for a four-year, $51 million deal, but that was cut short on Tuesday. According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, Van Noy was released by the team.
The #Dolphins have informed LB Kyle Van Noy he will be released, source says. @CameronWolfe indicated this might be coming. It's confirmed.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 2, 2021
One of the McCourty brothers hopped on their joint Twitter account and showed clear interest in the 29-year-old. Presumably Devin, since the photo is of him and Van Noy sharing an in-game moment.
👀👀@KVN_03 https://t.co/o6VSP3bgtJ pic.twitter.com/zfG1OQmwa6
— Devin&Jason McCourty (@McCourtyTwins) March 2, 2021
Van Noy reportedly has all options available on the table and he spent nearly four years with the team. The Patriots have the fourth-most cap space in the league and they desperately need pass-rushers and linebackers to fill the voids left in the 2019 offseason.
The Patriots are off to a hot start this offseason by returning their opt-outs from last year and bringing back Van Noy would even help improve their odds to lure in free agents.
