Kyle Van Noy’s goodbye message leaves door open for Patriots return

The New England Patriots needed to create some extra cap room in order to go after some of the big fish free agents on the market, which led to them parting ways with Kyle Van Noy. Despite his fit on this defense, New England decided the time was right to go in a different direction.

Van Noy has been a perfect example of how the New England developmental system can turn someone’s career around. After not fitting in well in Detroit due to his very unique style of play, Belichick found him a home in New England. Van Noy played a major role on multiple championship teams.

However, the time has come to turn the page. With several big names hitting free agency and some established veterans getting long in the tooth, the Patriots needed to get younger and stronger at linebacker. Van Noy, who will turn 31 in a few days, was discarded as a result.

Van Noy thanked the Patriots and their fans for some incredible seasons, saying that Foxborough will “always be home” for him and his family. By ending the tweet with a “see you later”, it looks like Van Noy left the door open to returning to the Pats in some capacity.

Could Kyle Van Noy return to the Patriots?

Van Noy has already found it difficult to replicate his success outside of New England. On top of the fact that he struggled to get on the field in his early years with Detroit, he was cut after just one season in Miami. The Dolphins ran almost the same defense and were coached by New England staffers, but Van Noy still ran back to Belichick.

Van Noy is coming off of a season in which he recorded 66 tackles, five sacks, and an interception. He has some gas left in the tank, meaning that a contender in need of some depth and versatility at the linebacker position might be interested in giving Van Noy a call.

The release of Van Noy helps the Patriots free up even more room to potentially chase one of the impact players available in the marketplace. The loss of Van Noy could both allow New England to use a high draft pick on a replacement and allow young players like Josh Uche and Ronnie Perkins to take on a bigger role.

Van Noy should have a steady market over the next few weeks, as his Patriots production will entice plenty of playoff teams.

However, this may not be the last time we see Van Noy in Patriots colors.

Patriots: Ranking rumored wide receiver targets for New England

The New England Patriots are reportedly linked to a number of wide receivers in free agency and on the trade market. Let's rank them!