Van Noy 'surprised and disappointed' with Dolphins release

The Miami Dolphins have told Kyle Van Noy they're releasing him, the linebacker confirmed Tuesday.

"I am surprised and disappointed in their decision," Van Noy said in a statement obtained by NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. "As a captain, I gave my all to the team. I fought through a painful hip injury during the season, including spending a night in the hospital after a game.

"I was brought there to be a leader and I know my teammates looked up to and respected me. I am looking forward to making an impact on my next team, on and off the field."

Van Noy joined the Dolphins on a four-year, $51-million contract last offseason. His $12.5-million salary for 2021 would've become guaranteed if he was still on the roster March 19.

Miami saves nearly $9.8 million against the cap by cutting him, according to OverTheCap. The team now has the eighth-most cap space in the NFL at $31.88 million.

In 14 outings for the Dolphins, Van Noy contributed 69 tackles, six sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and six pass breakups. His sack total was the second-highest figure of his career, trailing the 6.5 he posted for the New England Patriots in 2019.

A reunion between Van Noy and the Patriots is within the realm of possibility, a source told Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald.

With Van Noy gone from Miami, Andrew Van Ginkel could be tabbed for a larger role in Brian Flores' defense.

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