Throughout the dynasty era, the Patriots, led by Bill Belichick, made some questionable decisions regarding their roster. Whether it was who they chose to pass on in the draft or not sign in free agency, the legendary head coach gained a reputation for making mixed judgments on players far too often.
Belichick became even more known for moving on from players who perhaps should have remained in New England. Although he's credited for being right more often than not, it's hard to overlook some of the more notable departures, with Tom Brady being the most significant.
However, others aren't nearly as severe, and they have the opportunity to be righted years later. This includes outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy, who departed the team after his second stint in 2022. Now, he's being listed as a potential trade target for the Patriots, as they are still considered a team in need of more pass rush help despite their offseason additions.
The Patriots have a chance to reunite with Kyle Van Noy after an impressive 2024 season
Because the Patriots' pass rush has been a concern in recent years, even more so after they traded Matthew Judon last summer, they continue to be linked to players who might be on the trade block ahead of the 2025 season.
That explains why Daniel Arwas of Heavy.com suggests they trade for Van Noy, who is coming off a 12.5 sack season with the Ravens. Not only that, but he projects a bargain trade that the Patriots would be foolish not to seriously consider.
Although he hasn't been rumored to be a trade candidate by Baltimore, Arwas believes Van Noy's age could be a factor in making him available, especially after he had a career-best year last season.
"Before his spell with the Baltimore Ravens, Van Noy had always been a strong do-all hybrid linebacker/edge rusher during his time in New England, but never as prolific a pass rusher as he is demonstrating now coming into his age 34 year.
And so it would stand to reason that in a year where the pass rush remains one of the biggest areas of need on defense, the Pats could go in on a low-cost, high-reward option at the position."
Considering he's familiar with the Patriots' system and is comfortable with the style of coaching that Mike Vrabel brings, as it's similar to Belichick's in many ways, Van Noy returning to where he became a star makes sense in several ways.
It would give the Patriots a solid pass rusher within an otherwise unproven group and add a strong voice to the locker room, having won two Super Bowls in New England and since spent time with other superstar players, such as Lamar Jackson and Matthew Stafford.
Van Noy hasn't shown any signs of slowing down despite his age and could be a sensible trade for the Patriots to pull off, if the Ravens are willing to part with him. At the very least, it's something the Patriots should consider, maybe even inquire about. And if Van Noy isn't the answer, perhaps there's another player they could look into instead, unless they're comfortable with their current options.
Analysts don't seem to believe they should feel that way, but we'll have to wait and see once training camp kicks off next month.