During a recent appearance on The Up & Adams Show with Kay Adams, free agent linebacker Kyle Van Noy said that a return to the Baltimore Ravens is "still on the table" and he'd love to run it back.
Van Noy certainly had his high points during his three-year tenure with the Ravens, including a Pro Bowl appearance in 2024. Still, Van Noy also had his low points, including a lackluster 2025 campaign, and frankly, at this stage, bringing him back isn't in the Ravens' best interest.
In 15 games, Van Noy recorded just 20 combined tackles and two sacks, a significant drop off from his 12.5 sacks and 41 tackles in the 2024 season. In fairness, his hamstring injury could have hurt his production, but at 35, Van Noy's best days are behind him.
And while the Ravens could still use another pass-rusher, they'd be best served going in a different direction. Frankly, there's a reason why the Ravens haven't re-signed him yet.
Now, I don't think bringing Van Noy back would be a total disaster, and I've largely enjoyed his tenure. However, other options on the market could provide more production in a similar role -- most notably, a reunion with Jadeveon Clowney would be worthwhile.
The Baltimore Ravens should prioritize Jadeveon Clowney and young talent over Kyle Van Noy
Clowney, like Van Noy, is an aging edge rusher, but he is coming off a far more productive season. As a part of the Dallas Cowboys last season, Clowney recorded 8.5 sacks and 41 combined tackles while posting the second-best PFF pass-rush grade of his career.
With Mike Garafolo reporting that some of Clowney's former teams are interested in signing him and the Ravens having an open roster spot, fans have been hopeful that Clowney could soon return to Baltimore.
To me, it's crystal clear that Clowney would be the more impactful veteran pass-rusher than Van Noy.
Even if the Ravens strike out on Clowney, I wouldn't be eager to bring Van Noy back.
Trey Hendrickson gives the Ravens a legitimate star edge rusher, while Calais Campbell gives them a trusted veteran. Second-round pick Zion Young provides a nice blend of upside and immediate impact. Additionally, second-year players Mike Green and Teddye Buchanan give the Ravens' front-seven even more young talent.
In the modern NFL, you can never have too much talent on the front seven. Nevertheless, if the Ravens aren't adding someone who they fully believe can move the needle, such as Clowney, they would be best served simply banking on your talent and other offseason additions.
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