Kyle Van Noy is officially staying in purple, but it’s not the Ravens’ purple this time. The veteran linebacker just inked a deal to join the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad, as first reported by Tom Pelissero of Netflix. This isn’t just some run-of-the-mill depth signing; it’s a strategic reunion that could pay dividends for Minnesota’s defense.
The Flores Reunion Is No Accident
This move screams intention. Van Noy is reuniting with Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, a guy he knows inside and out. These two spent four years together tearing it up in New England, even snagging a pair of Super Bowl rings along the way. Flash forward to 2020, and who was coaching the Dolphins when Van Noy signed there? Yep, Brian Flores. That history means Van Noy isn’t just a new face; he’s a walking, talking playbook for Flores’ system. He won’t just get up to speed fast; he’s going to be a huge asset in getting the younger guys up to speed too, showing them exactly how Flores wants things run.
A 35-Year-Old Veteran With Serious Cred
Coming off three years in Baltimore, Van Noy brings a ton of experience to the Vikings’ locker room. This guy was a second-round pick back in 2014 by the Lions, and since then, he’s stacked up some serious numbers. We’re talking 173 regular-season games played, with 115 starts under his belt. Plus, the man knows how to get to the quarterback, racking up 57.0 career sacks. At 35 years old, he’s got the wisdom and the game-time reps that you just can’t teach, and he’s bringing all of that knowledge directly to the Vikings’ practice squad, ready to impact the main roster.
This isn’t just about a body for the practice squad; it’s about adding a veteran presence who can instantly integrate into the defensive scheme and help mentor the next generation. The Vikings clearly value that deep system knowledge, and it’ll be fascinating to see how quickly Van Noy impacts the defensive unit as the season rolls on.
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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