The Baltimore Ravens weren’t going to enter 2026 without some major upgrades at pass rusher. They flipped over every stone to fix one of the most lackluster groups from last year, as fans watched tireless efforts turn into additions like Trey Hendrickson, Zion Young, and Calais Campbell. Even the failed trade for Maxx Crosby is proof of Eric DeCosta’s aggressiveness in that department this offseason.
As a result of those moves, the Ravens defensive front looks very different. The team’s most efficient pass rusher (which isn’t saying much), Dre’Mont Jones, left in free agency, as did David Ojabo. Then, there’s Kyle Van Noy, who, despite being a free agent, appears to be headed out the door.
Luckily for Van Noy, there’s plenty of pass rush-needy teams out there. According to Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox, a competitive team out west could make the most sense: the San Francisco 49ers.
Kyle Van Noy may finally leave Baltimore Ravens for a new team
It’s been a long offseason for Kyle Van Noy. While he’s tallied 23.5 sacks with the Ravens over the past three seasons, the 12-year veteran was incredibly underwhelming last season with just two sacks…in 15 games. That’s definitely played a bit of a role in his free agency.
Although Van Noy is 35 years old, he’s going to return to the gridiron for at least one more season. That includes interest in suiting back up in the purple and black. He's even praised the potential of coaching staff under Jesse Minter, but in all honesty, a return probably isn't the best option for either side.
Sure, he hasn’t been signed yet, but that’s pretty typical for veterans in the late stages of their careers. By the sounds of it, teams might be lining up for Van Noy’s services.
Van Noy has revealed that he’s garnered interest from a number of teams this offseason, something that should point him in the direction of finding a spot in the rotation for some franchise in 2026. With the way the past few months have gone, it doesn’t really feel like that’ll be with the Ravens. Maybe the 49ers are his eventual team of choice, as Knox mentions?
While Baltimore appears to have had a steady ascent in the pass rush department this offseason, San Francisco hasn’t shared the same progress.
The Ravens have gone from an abysmal defense to one with significant potential in 2026. The 49ers struggled on defense and then lost their talented defensive coordinator, Robert Saleh. They could use an influx of talent, and while Van Noy appears to be in a steady decline, his experience and past production could be among the things the San Francisco front office looks to add.
The destination would make all the more sense knowing that the 49ers are on the list of teams that Van Noy would like to play for, which Knox mentions in his piece. There’s some sense to that, as well, with that team lacking depth behind Nick Bosa, Mykel Williams, and Romello Height at outside linebacker.
Ultimately, a return to Charm City could still be in the cards for Van Noy. They could use one more stable pass rusher in that room, but it looks increasingly unlikely with each passing day. If he officially finds a new team, as 99 percent of people expect, a trip to San Francisco could certainly be on the table.
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