The Los Angeles Chargers may not be done bringing back players that populated the 2022-23 roster, as names like Bryce Callahan remain unsigned. Kyle Van Noy put together a somewhat productive season, but he remains without a job as OTAs start up across the league.
The 32-year-old Van Noy had a bounce-back season after lasting just one year in Miami and playing inconsistently during his return to New England. Van Noy recorded 46 tackles, five sacks, and three pass deflections in a defense that asked a lot from the linebackers.
One would think that Tom Telesco and the front office would throw him a bone and give him a contract, especially with the Chargers putting together a roster that could compete for a championship if everything breaks their way. Instead, they appear to have fully moved on.
Van Noy posted on Twitter that the Chargers "don't want me back" and offered up his services to the 31 other teams out there in the league.
I’m actually a free agent and they don’t want me back so we going to 31 other teams! Let’s gooo
— Kyle Van Noy (@KVN_03) May 23, 2023
Kyle Van Noy confirmed he isn't returning to Chargers.
LA moved on quickly from Van Noy and current Chiefs linebacker Drue Tranquill in the offseason. Not only did they sign former Vikings star Eric Kendricks to hold down a middle linebacker spot, but they used a third-round draft choice on speedy Washington State stud Daiyan Henley.
Kenneth Murray is going to determine how bad the decision to not sign Van Noy will sting. After years of up-and-down play from the former first-round draft pick, another year in which he fails to take a step forward might have some fans pining for the days where No. 8 was patrolling.
Van Noy still has plenty of gas left in the tank, and last year showed that he can still be a very effective player in a scheme that isn't either a Bill Belichick defense or a carbon copy created by an assistant. His versatility will make him an asset for whoever picks him up.
Van Noy could come back to bite the Chargers in the butt over the next few seasons if he lands in a productive spot. With the ability to rush the passer and make plays in coverage at his size, Brandon Staley better be extremely confident in Kendricks and Henley's ability to replicate Van Noy's style.