Report: Patriots Are Cutting Veteran Starter

NFL analysts didn’t think that the New England Patriots would be cutting a veteran starter. Field Yates from ESPN reported that the Patriots decided to release Kyle Van Noy. What motivated the team to make such a big move? It gives them an extra $5 million in cap space. This would give the Patriots extra flexibility in the offseason. Head coach Bill Belichick has to cover up some holes on the roster. The Patriots need receivers, cornerbacks, linebackers, etc.

Patriots released LB Kyle Van Noy, per @FieldYates.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 7, 2022

Cutting Van Noy? He came to New England in 2021, but his second stint with the team didn’t last long. The veteran played with the Miami Dolphins for a year and decided to come back.

Patriots are cutting a veteran starter despite great season

Van Noy played a key role in the 2021 Patriots defense. He saw action in 16 games with the Patriots and had eight starts. Van Noy played 81 percent of the defensive snaps and recorded 66 total tackles, 5.0 sacks, two forced fumbles, an interception, and 10 passes defensed.

The veteran starter was a Patriot for four years. He joined the team in 2016 through a trade deal. The Dolphins offered him a four-year deal but cut him last March. The Patriots offered him a two-year deal worth $13.2 million.

NFL experts would agree that Van Noy had his best season in 2018. He finished the year with 92 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, and one interception.

Van Noy is free to sign a new deal with another team. When healthy, Van Noy is an incredible player. In other words, he won’t have trouble finding a home in the NFL.

This free agency will be of great importance for many teams around the league. Most organizations will try to reshape their rosters and bring talented players to the team. The Patriots have to add depth to their positions. Van Noy won’t join the team in 2022, leaving the Patriots linebacker group even thinner. It will be a long offseason for the team. We have a feeling that the Patriots won’t spend a lot of money in free agency.