The Minnesota Vikings have made a significant roster move following the unfortunate injury to linebacker Tyler Batty, who tore his ACL in the preseason finale against the Denver Broncos. With already limited depth at the edge position behind starters Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner, Batty's injury prompted the Vikings to act swiftly to address their defensive needs.
On Tuesday, the Vikings signed veteran linebacker Kyle Van Noy, who is set to join the practice squad as he works to regain his form. This move marks a reunion with defensive coordinator Brian Flores, with whom Van Noy has previously collaborated during successful stints with the New England Patriots and the Miami Dolphins.
Van Noy's history with Flores is noteworthy; the two worked together for four seasons in New England, where Van Noy played a pivotal role in the Patriots' defense, helping the team secure victories in Super Bowl LI and Super Bowl LIII. Their partnership continued for a year in Miami in 2020, when Flores was the head coach and Van Noy was released after just one season of a four-year, $51 million contract.
Under Flores, the Vikings have developed a reputation for employing intricate pressure packages that rely on disguise and simulated blitzes. Last season, Minnesota's defense finished tied for fourth in the NFL with 49 sacks, showcasing the effectiveness of Flores' scheme. The addition of a player like Van Noy, who is familiar with these strategies, could prove invaluable as he acclimates to the Vikings' system.
In his most recent season with the Baltimore Ravens, Van Noy had a quieter year compared to his previous performances, appearing in 15 games and recording 20 tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks, an interception, and four pass breakups. This followed a standout season in which he achieved a career-high 12.5 sacks, ranking fourth in the league, which earned him his first Pro Bowl selection at the age of 33. Over his career, Van Noy has amassed 57 sacks across 173 regular-season games since being drafted 40th overall by the Detroit Lions in 2014.
As Van Noy joins the Vikings, he will initially start on the practice squad, which accommodates 16 players, allowing for up to six veterans. This setup enables teams to elevate practice squad players for game days without altering the 53-man roster. In 2026, veteran practice squad players earn between $18,350 and $22,850 per week, and teams have the option to elevate two players for each game, with a maximum of three elevations before needing to sign them to the active roster.
For the Vikings, the timing of this signing could not be better, as they prepare to kick off their season against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 13. With Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner expected to shoulder the majority of the snaps, the Vikings have been actively seeking a reliable third edge rusher, making Van Noy's experience and familiarity with the system a strategic advantage.
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