At this time last year, it looked like the Giants and striker Kyle Van Noy could be a match. It didn’t happen. Now, the Giants have it up against him again, and given Joe Judge’s familiarity with Van Noy since his 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 do not find a business partner. Tuesday’s news surprised most of the NFL.
Van Noy confirmed this long-awaited break with the Dolphins, in a statement to the NFL Network: “I am surprised and disappointed by his decision. As captain, I gave it my all on the team. I struggled with a painful hip injury during the season, including spending a night in the hospital after a game. They took me to be a leader and I know my teammates looked on and respected me. I’m looking forward to impacting my next team, on and off the field. ”
The Giants couldn’t have afforded to switch to 29-year-old Van Noy because he only has one year on a four-year, $ 51 million contract that guaranteed him $ 30 million. Van Noy’s $ 12.5 million salary in 2021 was to be fully guaranteed by March 19 and the Dolphins will save $ 9.75 million on the salary cap by letting him go.
As an inside defender, Blake Martinez is coming off a sensational first season with the Giants, but they could use another versatile defender. Devante Downs and rookie Tae Crowder shared the role alongside Martinez in 2020.
Van Noy can play on the edge or off the line. In his year with the Dolphins, he had 69 tackles, six sacks, 10 quarterback hits, two fumble rebounds and two forced fumbles in 14 games. The Dolphins are expected to replace him full-time with Andrew Van Ginkel, a third-year Wisconsin player.
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 hiring Judge last year, Van Noy expressed interest in coming to the Giants. Maybe a connection can be established a second time.