4 defensive sleepers Cleveland Browns should sign in 2021 free agency
By Randy Gurzi
1. Kyle Van Noy, Linebacker
In a surprising move, the Miami Dolphins recently released linebacker Kyle Van Noy in what proved to be a salary-cap move. It’s true they saved more than $9 million but they still let go of a player who they signed to a four-year worth $51 million just last season. That kind of money made it seem as though Van Noy would be a building block to their defense, not a one-year rental.
Making it even more surprising is the relationship he had with Brian Flores, the Miami head coach. Flores was the linebacker coach for the New England Patriots when they first added Van Noy back in 2016. Then when Flores took the job as the Dolphins head coach, he added Van Noy ahead of his second season.
The linebacker didn’t disappoint either, recording 69 tackles and six sacks while also breaking up six passes. Used as both a linebacker and a pass rusher, Van Noy was also credited with 18 quarterback pressures and four knock-downs.
A chess piece that can be lined up in multiple spots, Van Noy is a weapon that would immediately raise the level of play for the Browns defense. The only real problem is his age.
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Van Noy will be 30 when the season kicks off and Cleveland has been trying to get younger. Having said that, adding a player who can be used as an outside linebacker and a pass rusher is never a bad idea, especially if he can still contribute.