Baltimore Ravens linebacker Kyle Van Noy could be a surprise cut candidate this upcoming offseason. According to Pro Football Network, they believe the Ravens could release one of their key defenders to save some salary cap which would relieve only $4.5 million. However, many should expect the team to relieve money by extending and restructuring a few contracts from athletes this offseason but it shouldn’t be surprising if they release or trade Van Noy given his age. This probably won’t happen but in the world of the NFL, any trade or release is possible if it means getting something in return.
Originally selected in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft, the two-time Super Bowl champion put on one of the best campaigns last season, recording 13.5 sacks despite just playing 55.7% of defensive snaps. Van Noy’s injury status could become something to watch for if the Ravens are considering the landscape of their defense. He might be ferocious when it counts, but since he’s entering the final year of his contract, there should be no surprise if the Ravens decide to not extend him if he doesn’t replicate the same season in 2024. It will be up to what the Ravens will do but it might be smarter to put him on the trade block rather than releasing him.
Van Noy will likely receive a lot of interest if the Ravens pull off this shocker.
Ravens Linebacker Kyle Van Noy Named Surprise Cut Candidate – Chargers, Panthers, Bills Could Emerge as Suitors
Helping a New Harbaugh
Nobody loves playing a physical trenches game like head coach Jim Harbaugh. However, it’s hard to see how the outlook of the Chargers defense will play out next season considering Khalil Mack might test free agency and Joey Bosa is a cut candidate. Assuming both will leave for a new team, the Chargers will need to address the holes with some new key defenders. Perhaps, they could reunite with Van Noy to rejuvenate him for a clean slate season to help bolster the pass rush.
It won’t be an easy task for the team to find a reliable new toy in this year’s draft but the good news is that they have enough salary cap space to make several moves this free agency. Meanwhile, Harbaugh wants to help Justin Herbert with the best offense, but they still need to address the defense if they want to create as many opportunities for their franchise quarterback.
Rebuilding the Panthers
There’s no word on what the Panthers will do with Shaq Thompson, but since Jadeveon Clowney will likely return, it could make sense to pair him with Van Noy. Both linebackers are nearing the end of their career but the Panthers must get a few veterans if they want to be a competitor in the NFC. While Dave Canales will help Bryce Young with a strong offense, they should prepare to put some supporting armory for Derrick Brown’s return.
Von Miller Gone?
If it’s true, the Buffalo Bills might have to embrace releasing Von Miller as many reports list him as a cut candidate. However, the Bills could easily address the hole if Van Noy becomes available. Matt Milano and Terrel Bernard have been carrying the weight of Joe Andreessen so they could use someone like Van Noy. He doesn’t have to be full-time anymore but enough to make a rotating impact and alleviate the stress from the linebacker unit.
The post Ravens Linebacker Named Surprise Cut Candidate – Chargers, Panthers, Bills Could Emerge as Suitors appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.