This time last year, it looked like the Giants and linebacker Kyle Van Noy could be a match. It did not happen. Now the Giants have one more shot at him and, given Joe Judge’s familiarity with Van Noy from their days with the Patriots, you never know.
After what appeared to be a successful first year in Miami, Van Noy is expected to be released, assuming the Dolphins cannot find a trading partner. The news Tuesday surprised most of the NFL.
Van Noy confirmed this expected break with the Dolphins, in a statement to NFL Network: “I am surprised and disappointed in their decision. As captain, I gave everything to the team. I fought through a painful hip injury during the season, including a night in the hospital after a game. I was brought in there to be a leader and I know my teammates looked up to and respected me. I look forward to making an impact on my next team, both on and off the pitch. ”
The Giants couldn’t afford to trade for Van Noy, 29, as he’s only been into a four-year $ 51 million four-year contract that guaranteed him $ 30 million. Van Noy’s $ 12.5 million salary in 2021 would be fully guaranteed on March 19, and the Dolphins will save $ 9.75 million on the salary cap by letting him go.
Inside linebacker, Blake Martinez has a sensational first season with the Giants, but they could use another versatile linebacker. Devante Downs and rookie Tae Crowder shared the role alongside Martinez in 2020.
Van Noy can play on the edge or next to the line. In his one year with the Dolphins, he had 69 tackles, six sacks, 10 quarterback hits, two fumbles and two forced fumbles in 14 games. The Dolphins are expected to replace him full-time with Andrew Van Ginkel, a third-year player from Wisconsin.
Van Noy and Judge spent four seasons together (2016-2019) in New England, winning two Super Bowls. Van Noy had 16.5 sacks and 35 quarterback hits in 51 games for the Patriots.
After Judge was hired last year, Van Noy showed an interest in coming to the Giants. Maybe a connection can be made for the second time.