The Minnesota Vikings signed EDGE rusher Kyle Van Noy this week, just days after Tyler Batty tore his ACL in the final preseason game of the year. If there had been any question as to whether or not the Vikings would actually sign a veteran to provide depth at the position, Batty's injury forced their move.
Van Noy, 35, isn't just being signed because he plays a position of need, though. He played for the Patriots from 2016-18 when Brian Flores served as New England's linebackers coach. In 2020, Van Noy signed with the Dolphins, reuniting with Flores, who coached Miami from 2019-21.
Because of that, Van Noy fits Flores' scheme and how the Vikings want to play on defense. His experience also brings a unique leadership quality to the position group,
general manager Nolan Teasley said on Wednesday.
"[He's] a veteran presence at a premium position," Teasley said. "[He] fits well into the system because of the way that he rushes and the way that we rush. It's really a team component to that, you know, from that standpoint. And then he brings experience and leadership. So [we're] really, really lucky to have a player of his caliber join us."
Van Noy was initially signed to the practice squad but will work his way up as one of, if not the top backup to Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner. That's a unique spot for a seasoned veteran of Van Noy's nature.
Because of that, Van Noy's system knowledge and experience will provide comfort when Van Ginkel and/or Turner need a breather. That is a welcome upgrade over immediately forcing Bo Richter or Chaz Chambliss into significant roles.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Vikings GM on Kyle Van Noy: 'Veteran presence at a premium position'
