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FILE - Miami Dolphins middle linebacker Kyle Van Noy (53) warms up before an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills in Miami Gardens, Fla., in this Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020, file photo. The Miami Dolphins told linebacker Kyle Van Noy he will be released, two people familiar with the discussion confirmed to The Associated Press on Tuesday, March 2, 2021. The people confirmed the disclosure to the AP on condition of anonymity because the Dolphins have not commented.(AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)
FILE - Miami Dolphins middle linebacker Kyle Van Noy (53) warms up before an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills in Miami Gardens, Fla., in this Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020, file photo. The Miami Dolphins told linebacker Kyle Van Noy he will be released, two people familiar with the discussion confirmed to The Associated Press on Tuesday, March 2, 2021. The people confirmed the disclosure to the AP on condition of anonymity because the Dolphins have not commented.(AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)Wilfredo Lee/Associated Press

Kyle Van Noy Released by Dolphins 1 Year into $51M Contract

Blake Schuster
Mar 10, 2021

The Miami Dolphins officially released linebacker Kyle Van Noy on Wednesday, ending his tenure in South Florida one year into a four-year, $51 million deal.

Van Noy played 14 games last year, finishing with 69 total tackles, six sacks and two forced fumbles following a successful four-year stint with the New England Patriots. He'll become one of the top linebackers on the market when free agency begins March 17.Ā 

According to ESPN'sĀ AdamĀ Schefter, the NFL salary cap is decreasing from $198.2 million in 2020 to $182.5 million in 2021ā€”with the loss of revenue because of theĀ coronavirusĀ pandemic playing a key factor.

Releasing VanĀ NoyĀ gives the Dolphins about $33.1 million in cap space, perĀ Spotrac, which would count as the eighth-most in the league. Yet the move makes sense given the state of Miami's franchise. QuarterbackĀ TuaĀ TagovailoaĀ has yet to establish himself as a legitimate cornerstone piece, the Buffalo Bills are the class of the AFC South and, after winning 10 games in 2020, the Dolphins may have a larger margin for error than in recent years.Ā 

VanĀ NoyĀ was simply a luxury the team could no longer afford.Ā 

That should come as great news to other clubs around the league in need of an inside linebacker.Ā 

TheĀ position classĀ is a bit top-heavy with Melvin Ingram, BudĀ Dupree,Ā ShaquilĀ Barrett andĀ KwonĀ Alexander featured as the top names. VanĀ NoyĀ adds a bit more depth to that list and at a significantly cheaper price.Ā 

DupreeĀ earned $15.8 million annually on his last contract. VanĀ NoyĀ earned $12.8 million. It remains to be seen if he can reach that type ofĀ AAVĀ on his next deal.

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