X

Dolphins Rumors: Kyle Van Noy to Be Released or Traded 1 Year into $51M Contract

Adam Wells@adamwells1985X.com LogoFeatured ColumnistMarch 2, 2021

Miami Dolphins middle linebacker Kyle Van Noy (53) lines up against the Denver Broncos during an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 22, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Jack Dempsey/Associated Press

One year after he signed a four-year, $51 million contract with the Miami Dolphins, Kyle Van Noy is expected to play for a new team in 2021.

NFL Network's Mike Garafolo initially reported the Dolphins were going to release Van Noy, who then appeared to confirm the news by issuing a statement:

Mike Garafolo @MikeGarafolo

Statement from Kyle Van Noy following his being informed by the #Dolphins he’ll be released. https://t.co/MrQhrLrSBc

Per Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald, Van Noy potentially returning to the New England Patriots is "in the realm of possibility."

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Miami hopes to find a trade partner for Van Noy, but he will eventually be released if no deal materializes. 

Per ESPN's Cameron Wolfe, the Dolphins will save $9.75 million against the cap in 2021 if they release him. 

Van Noy was part of Miami's offseason spending spree last year that also saw the team sign Byron Jones, Jordan Howard, Emmanuel Ogbah and Shaq Lawson. 

Miami gave Van Noy $30 million in guaranteed money as part of the deal. He was due to make $12.5 million in base salary next season, per Spotrac

Van Noy rebuilt his value during four seasons with the Patriots from 2016-19. He had 35 quarterback hits and 16.5 sacks in 51 games with them. The BYU alum also won two Super Bowl titles with the team in 2016 and 2018. 

During his lone season with the Dolphins, Van Noy ranked third among all non-defensive linemen with 28 total pressures. He finished second on the team with 10 quarterback hits and third with six sacks.