Veteran edge rusher Kyle Van Noy was in Minnesota on Tuesday, taking a close look at the Vikings. This isn’t just some casual free-agent visit; it’s a serious reunion. The 35-year-old has a deep, established history with Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, making this situation way more intriguing than your typical early-September look-see. Flores knows Van Noy, and that’s a big deal.
Flores and Van Noy: A Proven Partnership
Their shared history runs deep, stretching back years. Van Noy played under Flores with the Patriots from 2016 through 2018, soaking up that defensive scheme. Then, they linked up again with the Dolphins in 2020. That’s significant time and multiple stints under the same defensive mind. It means if the Vikings bring Van Noy onto the roster, there won’t be much of a learning curve. Flores knows precisely what Van Noy brings, and Van Noy understands Flores’s playbook and expectations inside and out. This kind of established rapport suggests that if a deal happens, it’s about getting an immediate, seamless fit for their defense.
The Numbers Tell a Story: 2024 Flash vs. 2025 Reality
So, what kind of player is Van Noy right now? His recent production paints a picture of a veteran who still has bursts of game-changing ability. He spent his last three seasons playing for the Ravens. In 2025, he appeared in 15 games and started 13, contributing 2.0 sacks, four tackles for loss, and nine QB hits. That’s solid, veteran production. But rewind to his 2024 season. That year, Van Noy was an absolute force, putting up a staggering 12.5 sacks, 14 tackles for loss, and an eye-popping 21 QB hits. That’s a huge difference! Flores has seen Van Noy’s highs, and he knows the potential is there, even at 35. This is a former second-round pick from 2014, with a career total of 57.0 sacks over 173 games. He’s got the pedigree, and he’s shown he can still disrupt.
What This Means for the Vikings’ Defense
The fact that the Vikings are checking out a player like Van Noy this week, right as the NFL season gets underway in September, clearly signals their intent to bolster their pass rush. They’re looking for an immediate impact. Bringing in a veteran like Van Noy, who has such a strong personal and professional history with their defensive coordinator, makes a ton of sense. It’s a low-risk, potentially high-reward move for a team looking to add an experienced edge defender who could rekindle that 2024 form. Minnesota fans will definitely be watching to see if this visit turns into a signing, because adding a familiar, proven pass-rusher could give their defense a much-needed jolt early in the season.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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