The Patriots are in need of some major pass-rushing help, as they have already lost out on Maxx Crosby, even though he has now returned to the Raiders; Trey Hendrickson, who has signed with the Ravens; and K'Lavon Chaisson, who signed a one-year deal with the Commanders.
There were also a handful of players they were linked to before free agency began, but they, too, have signed contracts with new teams, forcing the Patriots to look elsewhere for the help that their roster very much needs.
It could become a case of signing some mid-level talent they hope will bring the kind of production they're looking for. They could look to add a familiar face back into the lineup, too, especially since Kyle Van Noy, who won two Super Bowls in New England, sounds interested in a return.
Kyle Van Noy doesn't shut down the chance of returning to the Patriots in 2026
While appearing on NFL Network’s Free Agency Frenzy earlier this week, Van Noy was asked about his feelings on a potential reunion with the Patriots.
Although other players in the past might not be thrilled about getting cut and playing elsewhere, swearing the Patriots off for the rest of their career, Van Noy sounded more than interested in a return to where he saw the most success of his career, and it actually makes a lot of sense for both sides.
"That would be a blessing come true. I like what they’ve done in free agency, getting AVT (Alijah Vera-Tucker) at guard. I like what they did by getting Dre’Mont Jones [to play] opposite of Harold Landry. I really like Dre’Mont Jones paired up with Christian Barmore, and [the] big dog in the middle, [Milton] Williams. I mean, he’s a stud.
I really think I can provide some help. I really can provide that championship mindset. I really like what [Mike Vrabel] is doing, and I do believe that would be a dream come true, to go home. That’s home, [that’s] football land.”
He might not be the top name that Patriots fans were hoping for, but there's no reason to believe he wouldn't provide a lot of help to their defensive line, especially in the wake of Chaisson, Jahalani Tavai, and Khyiris Tonga's departures.
Van Noy looked impressive during his two stints with the Patriots, but he's really come alive since playing for a few other teams, most recently the Ravens.
Since signing with Baltimore in 2023, he has logged 91 combined tackles, 27 for a loss, 39 quarterback hits, one interception, 10 passes defended, four forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and 23.5 sacks.
Since he would likely be on the field far more than he was last year, which was the lowest snap count he's had since 2016, there's no reason to believe he can't replicate that again this fall, making it even more compelling for the Patriots to sign him.