Hold up, NFL world. Linebacker Kyle Van Noy, the guy who spent the last three seasons balling out for the Baltimore Ravens, is reportedly heading to a new shade of purple. Tom Pelissero of The Ringer just dropped the news Tuesday: Van Noy is joining the Minnesota Vikings, but get this, he is reportedly starting on the practice squad to ramp up. That’s a move that makes you raise an eyebrow, right?
The Reunion Everyone Is Talking About
This isn’t just some random signing; there’s some serious history here. Van Noy is walking into a familiar situation because Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores was on the defensive staff back when Van Noy was tearing it up for the New England Patriots. Think about it: they were together during the Patriots’ Super Bowl runs in both 2016 and 2018. Van Noy wasn’t just riding the bench then; the guy was a key defensive playmaker in those championship seasons. Flores was the linebackers coach, so he knows exactly what Van Noy brings to the field when he’s at his best. That kind of existing trust and understanding between a player and coach could be absolutely huge for getting Van Noy back into the swing of things, even if it means starting with the practice squad grind. It tells you they believe he can still contribute big-time.
The Comeback Challenge
Van Noy’s career kicked off as a second-round pick out of BYU in the 2014 NFL draft. He’s bounced around, playing for the Detroit Lions, Patriots, Miami Dolphins, Los Angeles Chargers, and most recently, the Ravens. While those Super Bowls with New England were awesome, he actually hit his Pro Bowl stride in 2024 with Baltimore. That year, he was on fire: 41 tackles, a whopping 12.5 sacks, two passes defended, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery. That’s big-time production. But then 2025 happened, and he only managed two sacks. So, the goal is clear: get back to that 2024 form. He is going to have to battle for a spot on a linebacker depth chart that already features names like Dallas Turner and Chaz Chambliss at LOLB, Eric Wilson and Jake Golday at WLB, Blake Cashman and Ivan Pace Jr. at MLB, and Andrew Van Ginkel and Bo Richter at ROLB. It’s a loaded room, and Van Noy’s got to show he still has that playmaking ability.
It’s a huge challenge, but if anyone can get him dialed in, it’s Flores. The Vikings kick off their season on September 13 against their NFC North rivals, the Green Bay Packers. Van Noy might not be ready for Week 1, but if he can get back to that Pro Bowl level from two years ago, imagine the impact he could have on that defense. He’s got to prove he can still bring the heat and find his place on that roster.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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