The Baltimore Ravens’ pass rush looks like a different animal entering 2026. Several new forces are joining the group up front, a transformation headed by Trey Hendrickson. With that overhaul, a number of former players walked out the door.
Among those is Kyle Van Noy. The 12-year veteran has been vocal about wanting to return for a 13th season, even mentioning he’d love to return to Charm City. That won't come to be.
What has come to be, though? A pairing with the Minnesota Vikings. Following a visit, Van Noy agreed to a deal with Minnesota on Tuesday night.
This might be the best-case scenario for Van Noy as he transitions from Baltimore to a new chapter in his football career.
Kyle Van Noy may have found the best-case scenario in post-Baltimore Ravens career
Kyle Van Noy was a valuable piece for the Ravens defense. He was a low-risk, high-reward signing back in 2023, and man, did Baltimore enjoy the benefits of his presence. Across three seasons, he racked up 23.5 sacks, 27 tackles for loss, and earned his first career Pro Bowl nod in 2024.
Unfortunately, 2025 was a forgotten season. Van Noy was a part of a horrendous Ravens defense that finished with a grand total of 30 sacks. Van Noy only contributed to two of those sacks. Those aren’t great numbers for a contract year.
That steep decline led many to wonder if the 35-year-old’s football career was over. All offseason, Van Noy made it abundantly clear that it wasn't. And who better to keep it going with than the Minnesota Vikings and defensive coordinator Brian Flores?
Van Noy should have a ton of fun in Minnesota. They had the third-best defense in 2025 in terms of yards allowed, and for a pass rusher like Van Noy, he’s bound to see countless golden opportunities to bring down opposing quarterbacks.
Flores’ defenses always bring relentless blitz packages—it’s been a staple. His presence on the sideline alone honestly might strike fear into offenses, as whenever you line up against his defense, you know it’s going to be a long day. Last year, Minnesota finished tied for third in sacks with 49.
Van Noy could get back to business there.
The Vikings needed the help, too. They lost Tyler Batty to an ACL tear in their preseason finale, and behind starters Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner, they have just 1 career sack. Van Noy has 57 career sacks.
Minnesota's backups Bo Richter and Chaz Chambliss are also completely unproven, so adding a veteran who knows how to harass opposing quarterbacks made all the sense in the world. It's a wide-open road for Van Noy to see the field and make an impact.
If Van Noy has anything left in the tank, this is his best chance to show it. He had a strong season with the Miami Dolphins and Flores in 2020, and now he gets to reunite with the defensive coordinator. Good things may be on the horizon.
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