Patriots release Van Noy

The New England Patriots released linebacker Kyle Van Noy, the team announced on Monday.

New England creates $5 million in salary-cap space by cutting the veteran, a source told ESPN's Field Yates.

The 30-year-old becomes an unrestricted free agent and can sign with another team immediately ahead of the start of free agency later this month.

Van Noy tallied 66 tackles, five sacks, and five tackles for loss while starting eight games in 2021. It marked his return to New England after spending the 2020 season with AFC East rivals the Miami Dolphins. Prior to his one-year hiatus, Van Noy was a productive member of the Patriots' defense from 2016-19.

The Detroit Lions initially selected the BYU product in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft, where he spent his first two seasons.

Van Noy leaves New England with 287 tackles, 26 tackles for loss, and 21.5 sacks over five seasons with the club.

Meanwhile, with the Patriots clearing cap space, they could turn their focus toward re-signing pending free agents. J.C. Jackson, Dont'a Hightower, and Devin McCourty highlight a group set to hit the open market later this month.

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