The Minnesota Vikings have added veteran linebacker Kyle Van Noy to their roster as they address a thin edge-rushing group, the team confirmed Tuesday.
Veteran presence signed to fill a need
The move brings a proven veteran into Minnesota’s mix. Van Noy, listed as a linebacker, arrives with a résumé that includes two Super Bowl titles won alongside defensive coordinator Brian Flores during their time with the New England Patriots. The signing represents his third stint playing in a Flores-run defense.
The Vikings framed the acquisition as a solution to a lack of depth at edge rusher, a direct roster need the team has been working to shore up heading into the season.
How Van Noy fits the Vikings' plans
Van Noy is headed into his 13th NFL season. The club and Van Noy intend to use his experience as a rotational and mentorship piece while the team evaluates its younger pass rushers. Tom Pelissero wrote on his official X account that Van Noy will begin on the practice squad as he ramps up with the organization, a plan the player and staff will use to integrate him into the game plan.
Van Noy, 35 and a two-time Super Bowl champion, is signing with the Vikings and is expected to start on the practice squad to ramp up. As a veteran edge player, he adds experience to Minnesota’s locker room as the team looks to bolster its depth at outside linebacker.
Context and expectations
The signing reunites Van Noy with Flores and gives the Vikings an experienced option for late-game pass-rush situations and as injury insurance. The club’s immediate priority is shoring up depth; adding a veteran who has worked in Flores’ system before shortens the learning curve and creates a familiar schematic fit.
How quickly Van Noy moves from the practice squad into game-day roles will depend on how the Vikings choose to use him and the team's needs on the edge. For now, the addition gives Minnesota a seasoned edge option as the team looks to address depth at outside linebacker.
Van Noy’s signing adds a veteran voice and a known schematic fit to a Vikings defense that has been looking for more consistent production from its edge group. The club now has another experienced piece to call on as the season approaches.
