Van Noy 'very surprised' to end up back with Patriots

Kyle Van Noy didn't expect to hear from Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots again when the Miami Dolphins cut him after one season.

"I was very surprised, but everything happens for a reason, and I'm very honored and blessed to come back and be a part of the family again," the versatile linebacker told Megan O'Brien of Patriots.com.

Van Noy rejoined the Patriots on a two-year contract. He won a pair of Super Bowls while playing for New England from 2016 to 2019.

The Dolphins gave him a four-year, $51-million deal in free agency last offseason. Though he was fairly productive, Miami chose to avoid his lofty cap hit for 2021 and terminate Van Noy's contract.

The 29-year-old is returning to a vastly different team than the one he left, as the Patriots went 7-9 in their first season without Tom Brady. But his familiarity with the coaching staff provides instant comfort.

"When you walk through the door and Billy B gives you that smile and you give him that fist pump and keep it moving, it's back in business," he said. "And then I see my guy Ernie (Adams), mess with him for a little bit, it's good.

"I'm glad to be back, but a lot of work to do. I'm excited. I'm excited for the new challenge, I'm excited to put back that uniform on and get it moving."

Van Noy added that he's coming back to the Patriots as a more polished leader. He was named a Dolphins team captain for his lone season in South Beach.

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