Despite salvaging their entire defense this offseason, the New England Patriots could still look to trade for linebacker Kyle Van Noy this upcoming season. According to one report, a source is urging the Patriots to reunite with the familiar edge rusher in a possible trade scenario that could significantly upgrade the defense. It’s easy to see why New England could take a chance on targeting Van Noy, since the Patriots are rebuilding under new head coach Mike Vrabel, and they still need all of the talent to change this roster around. Between K’Lavion Chaisson and veteran Anfernee Jennings, these two linebackers might be on the chopping block, while the Patriots did boost their unit by trading for Harold Landry.
The source believes they need some type of upgrade to help Landry, as rookie Bradyn Swinson probably won’t raise the bar until after a few seasons. They may look into getting Van Noy, who is already in his final year of his current contract with the Baltimore Ravens. Originally selected in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft, the former BYU product is coming off his best statistical season, recording almost 13 sacks in 16 games. Van Noy is getting older in age, so it might be harder to determine what type of contract the Ravens will give him, but this means the team will likely keep him at least until his deal is over and he becomes a free agent.
The Patriots might be competing with these other three teams, who might be targeting the prolific two-time Super Bowl champion, winning them both in New England. Since he’ll likely be a free agent instead, here are the teams that might be jumping on him to make an offer.
Ravens, Patriots Connected in Possible Kyle Van Noy Blockbuster Trade
Other Possible Fits
Los Angeles Chargers
It’s easy to see why the Los Angeles Chargers will be a fit for Van Noy, but the Ravens would never trade him there. After spending one season with the Chargers, he put up some average, but worthy numbers that show that he could’ve made an impact if he had stayed longer in Los Angeles. The team has the biggest need for a reliable veteran pass-rusher after releasing Joey Bosa. Between Tuli Tuipulotu, Daiyan Henley, Junior Colson, the Chargers only have Khalil Mack, who will make an impact and can get after the quarterback on multiple occasions. Since they lost Morgan Fox and Poona Ford in one offseason, it leaves a huge hole for which defensive piece can step up for the Chargers.
Van Noy might be aging and past his prime, but it looks like he’s getting better season by season. The age could be an issue, but it shouldn’t stop someone like head coach Jim Harbaugh, who wants to build an old-school defense anyway.
Washington Commanders
Meanwhile, the Commanders are in dire need of another pass-rusher since they lost Dante Fowler Jr., who led this team in sacks. Between Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu, they could see an enormous role in Van Noy, being that he can pair with Luvu in the middle. Dominique Hampton and Deatrich Wise Jr. won’t drastically improve this defense, so Van Noy is the better fit in this situation.
Carolina Panthers
However, the Carolina Panthers have finally been improving their defensive front after acquiring Bobby Brown and Tershawn Wharton in this year’s free agency. While they have some new life in the trenches, they can’t ignore solidifying the pass-rush after releasing Jadeveon Clowney, which leaves a hole alongside Josey Jewell. The Panthers might not be a contender, but he could become the premier athlete of this defense and probably turn this once-ugly defense into something great.
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