The Patriots released outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy Monday afternoon following his second stint with the team. The initial news may have come as a shock to some – Van Noy was his usual dependent self once again in his return to the defense following a one-year hiatus – but his departure very well could spell a larger overhaul to the linebacker core.
Anyone who watched the 47-17 drubbing to the Buffalo Bills on wild card weekend knows the defense as currently constructed is too slow. That notion doesn’t appear to have gone unnoticed by the coaching staff either. Last month inside linebackers coach Jerod Mayo admitted the defense needed to make improvements.
“We’re going to look to get faster, more explosive and put more playmakers on the field,” Mayo said in early February.
On that note, if Van Noy doesn’t fit that bill, who still does in that linebacking room? Van Noy’s contract absolutely was a factor in the decision to move on for him – releasing him frees up over $4 million against the salary cap – but why should one believe Van Noy isn’t just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the makeup of the group heading into next season?
Dont’a Hightower is also a free agent, as is fellow inside linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley. If the goal is to get faster (and presumably younger) how do you justify bringing either of those guys back? The point is especially prudent in Hightower’s case.
Hightower started 15 games last season after opting out in 2020 due to COVID-19. But it’s no secret the soon-to-be-32-year-old started is not the player he once was. That’s not a knock on Hightower, who’s had a fantastic career in Foxboro full of clutch plays in the biggest games, but the two sides are most definitely at a crossroads this offseason. The team would probably like their captain back on a team-friendly deal, but how much is the team willing to pay for an aging player who at this stage is a part-time player? How low would Hightower be willing to go to finish his career with the team?
As for Bentley, we know Bill Belichick clearly sees value in the traditional ‘thumper’ type of linebacker. He may see a need for Bentley in his defense providing the price tag doesn’t get out of hand, but what is that accomplishing? There’s value in situational players, but what’s the contract numbers for Bentley, who can’t be relied on to stop a mobile quarterback like Josh Allen in a pass-friendly league?
It's hard to think back to that night in Buffalo two months ago and imagine running it back with the current unit. As Mayo noted, this team needs playmakers. The Patriots have spent top 100 picks on linebackers/edge defenders in each of the last two drafts: Josh Uche and Anfernee Jennings in 2020 and Ronnie Perkins last year. They also rolled the dice on Cameron McGrone and Raekwon McMillan, both of whom are battling back from torn ACLs. If Van Noy’s release is any sign of things to come, let’s see what the kids can do.