The Minnesota Vikings are adding a veteran presence to their defense just days before the start of the 2026 NFL season.
The Vikings officially signed veteran outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy to their practice squad Wednesday, giving Minnesota another experienced pass rusher while also reuniting Van Noy with defensive coordinator Brian Flores.
Van Noy, 35, brings 12 years of NFL experience to Minnesota. The former second-round pick has played for the Detroit Lions, New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins, Los Angeles Chargers and Baltimore Ravens during his career. He has appeared in 173 regular-season games and recorded 57 career sacks.
The biggest connection in the signing is Van Noy’s history with Flores.
The two worked together in New England from 2016 through 2018, helping the Patriots win two Super Bowls. Van Noy later reunited with Flores in Miami during the 2020 season. That familiarity should make Van Noy’s transition into Minnesota’s defensive system much easier.
Van Noy is joining a Vikings defense that could use additional depth at outside linebacker. Minnesota has starters Dallas Turner and Andrew Van Ginkel, but the team recently lost Tyler Batty to a season-ending knee injury. The Vikings also traded Jonathan Greenard to the Philadelphia Eagles during the offseason, creating an even greater need for experienced depth.
Although Van Noy will initially be on the practice squad, NFL Network reports that he is expected to ramp up before potentially joining Minnesota’s active roster. That could give the Vikings another veteran option as the season gets underway.
Van Noy is coming off a three-year stint with Baltimore. His best season with the Ravens came in 2024, when he recorded a career-high 12.5 sacks and earned his first Pro Bowl selection. Last season, he recorded two sacks, 20 tackles and an interception in 15 games.
For Minnesota, the move is about more than just adding another pass rusher.
Van Noy brings playoff experience, leadership and familiarity with Flores’ defense. He also has two Super Bowl rings and has spent his career playing in high-pressure environments.
Now, he gets another opportunity to compete for a championship — this time in Minnesota.
If Van Noy can provide even a fraction of his previous production, the Vikings may have found a valuable veteran addition at exactly the right time.
