In the last off-season, Kyle Van Noy signed a $ 51 million deal to join the Miami Dolphins and meet with coach Brian Flores.
On Tuesday, news broke that the Dolphins are either releasing or negotiating him. The news came as a surprise to the veteran linebacker who was elected captain in his only season in Miami.
Van Noy ‘surprised and disappointed’
“I am surprised and disappointed by their decision,” Van Noy told Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network in a statement. “As a captain, I gave my all to the team. I struggled with a painful hip injury during the season, including spending a night in the hospital after a game.
“I was brought in to be a leader and I know that my teammates admired and respected me. I look forward to making an impact on my next team, both on and off the field.”
The Dolphins have not yet publicly addressed the decision, which Van Noy confirmed after several reports. ESPN’s Cameron Wolfe and Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network report that the Dolphins are exploring trade options before releasing it.
Short meeting with Brian Flores
Van Noy, 29, played 14 games last season, totaling 69 tackles, a career record of 10 tackles for defeat, six sacks and 10 quarterback strokes. He also forced two fumbles, recovered two fumbles and saved six passes.
Separating from Van Noy, the Dolphins will save $ 9.75 million in wage cap space next season. He will end up securing $ 15 million for a season in Miami after signing the four-year contract and $ 51 million that, like most NFL contracts, has not been fully guaranteed.
Van Noy joined the Dolphins from the New England Patriots, where Flores was the coach of the linebackers and in fact defensive coordinator before Miami hired him as head coach in 2019.
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