A once exalted free agent signing has become a surprise victim for the Dolphins.
Mike Garafolo, NFL Network, reported Tuesday that Miami has notified linebacker Kyle Van Noy that he will be released after one season.
“I was surprised and disappointed in their decision. As captain I gave everything to the team,” said Van Noy. in a statement obtained by Garafolo. “I suffered a painful injury during the season, including spending a night in the hospital after a game. I was brought there to be a leader and I know my teammates looked at me and respected me. I see then out to make an impact. on my next team, on and off the field. ‘
Van Noy, 29, signed a $ 51 million four-year contract last March, which included $ 30 million guaranteed money and a $ 12 million sign-up bonus. The move is expected to fetch about $ 9.7 in space.
Van Noy was a former second-round pick at BYU and began his career with the Lions before joining the Patriots in October 2016. While in New England, Van Noy put together an impressive series of three and a half years that led to him being considered a first-class free agent who entered last season.
Van Noy, under Brian Flores, his former position coach in New England, defended 69 tackles, six sacks and six passes in 2020 in 14 games (13 starts). ’13 scored veteran AFC Defensive Player of the Week.
Although it did not work out in Miami, Van Noy, a respected man in the locker room, is likely to have numerous suitors hoping to add the two-time Super Bowl champion at a cheaper price. As for the Dolphins, the reboot with a younger, cheaper LB corps led by Jerome Baker, Shaq Lawson and Andrew Van Ginkel is the new focus.