When a productive veteran remains unsigned by NFL teams come September, it’s usually because the player can no longer produce at a high level. But the Ravens needed a pass rusher last season after injuries to Odafe Oweh, David Ojabo and Tyus Bowser, and Kyle Van Noy was available.
Baltimore signed Van Noy, then a nine-year veteran, to its practice squad (and the active roster soon thereafter) in late September. While little was expected, Van Noy knew what he had to offer.
“I honestly expected a lot,” he said on Glenn Clark Radio June 21. “I felt like the year previous, I showed that I could play ball at a high level still, and it was kind of disappointing in waiting around.”
Van Noy, now 33, proved to be right.
Last season, the 6-foot-3, 255-pound outside linebacker played in 14 games, starting three, and recorded 30 tackles, nine sacks and two forced fumbles. He was one of the Ravens’ most productive defensive players, finishing third on the team in sacks.
Van Noy also provided a veteran presence come playoff time. He tallied four tackles in the Ravens’ two-game playoff run that was cut short in the AFC championship game. And despite Van Noy winning two Super Bowl rings with the New England Patriots (2016 and 2018 seasons), losing still hurt.
“I think it’s more [painful now] because I know what the other side feels like,” he said. “I know the opportunity that we had. I felt it a lot. I think I told a lot of people that I didn’t leave my house for a week. I was really that devastated because I hate losing. … It’s just a disappointment when you get to that stage and you don’t win the championship because that’s the goal, but I think it was a good learning experience for everybody.”
So, why did Van Noy go unsigned last offseason? Van Noy had a sack in five straight games to help the Chargers sneak into the playoffs in 2023, but the Ravens were the only team that pursued him in the offseason. However, Van Noy felt Baltimore low-balled him, so he remained unsigned at the start of the season.
This offseason was a completely different story, though. While Van Noy kept his options open, both parties knew where he belonged. The Ravens and Van Noy agreed to a two-year deal worth up to $9 million on April 4, less than a month into free agency.
“I know last year was a little disappointing, but we have a chance to repent for our sins this year,” Van Noy said.
The Ravens returned most of their starters on defense but will have a new play-caller this year in Zach Orr, who is taking over for Mike Macdonald. Van Noy is excited to play under Orr and help him out in any way needed.
“It’s going to be different,” Van Noy said. “I think you’re going to see different concepts and different things that Zach likes to do, and I just believe he’s going to be aggressive. That’s who he was as a player. I think people forget Zach Orr was an All-Pro linebacker before he was done. And so he’s very smart and capable of leading men.”
Though he’s actually a year older than Orr, Van Noy still enjoys playing football and proving people wrong.
“It’s fun to school people … that give me doubt,” he said, “but at the same time, it’s also fun for myself and to know that I have a lot more game left in me.”
For more from Van Noy, listen to the full interview here:
Photo Credit: Kenya Allen/PressBox