The Miami Dolphins signed outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy to a four-year, $51 million contract last spring. One year later, he has become a cap casualty.
Van Noy is reportedly on the verge of being cut by the Dolphins. He issued a statement on his impending release, saying he was “surprised and disappointed” at the decision and saying he even played through a hip injury to try to help the team.
Statement from Kyle Van Noy following his being informed by the #Dolphins he’ll be released. pic.twitter.com/MrQhrLrSBc
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 2, 2021
Mike Garafolo of NFL Network was among those to report the Dolphins have informed Van Noy he will not be with the team next season.
The #Dolphins have informed LB Kyle Van Noy he will be released, source says. @CameronWolfe indicated this might be coming. It's confirmed.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 2, 2021
One year into a four-year, $51 million deal, and Van Noy was a difference-maker for the Dolphins last year. Surprising. But Miami's been nothing if not decisive over Brian Flores' two-plus years there. https://t.co/xXOLHYVTkK
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 2, 2021
Cameron Wolfe of ESPN relayed more information on the situation.
Wolfe reported the Dolphins discussed a pay cut with Van Noy, who seemingly had little interest in that idea. Miami is still considering its options with respect to a trade, but Van Noy will indeed be released if nothing develops. Either way, he will not be with the Dolphins next season.
I'm told a pay cut was discussed with Kyle Van Noy, who is prepared to move on. Trade options still being explored but release coming if none found. His tenure in Miami was short-lived.
More cap space for Dolphins to use in free agency. A good draft for versatile LBs too.
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) March 2, 2021
Ian Rapoport corroborated Wolfe's reporting, saying Van Noy's official release will not come Tuesday as the Dolphins attempt to trade him.
From NFL Now: Versatile LB Kyle Van Noy has played his last down with the #Dolphins, but a release won't come today as the team will try to trade him first. pic.twitter.com/16qXractCF
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 2, 2021
The move is somewhat surprising for a Dolphins team that valued Van Noy's contributions on the edge.
The former New England Patriots linebacker had 6.0 sacks and a career-high 10 tackles for a loss. Van Noy also had six passes defended and a pair of forced fumbles. However, the move will free up over $12 million in cap space, and the Dolphins apparently would prefer to have the financial flexibility.
Van Noy will prepare for the next chapter of his football life, though this one could puzzle him for some time.
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