The Minnesota Vikings and new general manager Nolan Teasley have an influx of cap space, with $13 million available after June 1. Teasley has been meticulous in assembling a support staff that has earned praise across many insider circles. However, he has yet to make his first move in roster construction. Kyle Van Noy should be one of his first calls.
After dealing Jonathan Greenard on Day 2 of the draft, the Vikings are thin at edge rusher behind Dallas Turner and Andrew Van Ginkel. While some might say that rookie Jake Golday will take snaps and progress as an edge rusher at the NFL level, he will likely need time to adjust to the role before being an impact player.
The Vikings hired Teasley from the Seattle Seahawks organization, which won the Super Bowl with a dominant pass rush that was central to its identity. Teasley knows how important quality depth at the edge position is and will likely want to add to an already promising room.
Therefore, it makes sense for the Vikings to use their influx of cap space to solidify depth at this position. While there is a litany of veteran pass rushers on the market, Van Noy makes the most sense.
Van Noy already has experience in Brian Flores’ defense. Flores coached Van Noy when he was with the New England Patriots. Van Noy later followed him to the Miami Dolphins for a season, when Flores was their head coach.
Van Noy’s versatility also makes him a perfect player for this Vikings defense that emphasizes players being able to play multiple positions and do more than just one specialized skill. During his career, Van Noy has played outside and inside linebacker at multiple points.
He’s playing both positions at a high level. Van Noy has shown the ability to rush the passer, stop the run, and succeed in coverage. He gives the Vikings yet another versatile tool that opposing offenses must identify before the snap.
While he’s on the older side at 35, Van Noy has shown he can still contribute at a high level. Two seasons ago, he racked up 12.5 sacks on a loaded Baltimore Ravens defense.
Van Noy’s numbers decreased last season. Still, much of that was due to Baltimore’s general dysfunction on defense. Even then, his PFF score of 63 and 27 pressures are nothing to scoff at.
Former Vikings linebacker Ben Leber has signed off on the potential addition of Van Noy. On his YouTube channel, he said, “I mean, all this guy ever does is wreck games. I mean, if there’s a big moment in a big-time game late, Kyle Van Noy just somehow makes the play or is a big factor in the play.”
Given Minnesota’s need for depth at the edge rusher position, combined with Van Noy’s versatility and familiarity with the Brian Flores scheme, Van Noy could be the perfect veteran addition to the roster.
Van Noy likely would not cost the Vikings all of their newfound space. Therefore, even after adding Van Noy, the Vikings could still look to add another free agent or two.
