With the NFL season about a week away from kickoff, Minnesota Vikings general manager Nolan Teasley isnt slowing down constructing the roster.Â
On Tuesday night, the Vikings signed veteran edge rusher Kyle Van Noy, first reported by The Ringer. The 35-year-old veteran reunites with defensive coordinator Brian Flores, with whom he won two Super Bowls on the New England Patriots.
Van Noy has bounced around the league over his career. After being drafted in the second round by the Detroit Lions in 2014, he went on to play for the Patriots, the Miami Dolphins under Flores, the Los Angeles Chargers, and most recently, the Baltimore Ravens.
ESPN reported early Tuesday morning that Van Noy was visiting Minnesota, and with the visit now wrapped up, the signing is officially done.
His 2024 season with the Ravens was highly productive, highlighted by a career-high 12.5 sacks. Van Noy has built a career on leadership and mentorship inside winning organizations, which are qualities head coach Kevin OConnell could be looking to add in Minnesota.
After trading away Pro Bowl edge rusher Jonathan Greenard during the draft, the Vikings were left needing depth and experience upfront. Pairing Van Noy with first-year starter Dallas Turner and Andrew Van Ginkel instantly stabilizes their pass-rush rotation.
The Vikings also added raw Cincinnati hybrid linebacker Jake Golday in the second round of this year’s draft. Adding Van Noy to the fold gives OConnell and Flores a well-balanced group featuring proven veteran leadership and high-upside depth to start the season.
Flores’ defense was top-tier last season, ranking third in total yards allowed (282.6) and seventh in points against (19.6). Adding Van Noy as a rotational pass rusher could give the Vikings the extra edge they need for a fast start when they host the Green Bay Packers in Week 1.
