Rewarding Kyle Van Noy Should Be Among Vikings' Priorities After Week 7

Kyle Van Noy’s impact in a limited role gives Minnesota a reason to look beyond his age when planning its defensive future.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (7) carries the ball defended by Minnesota Vikings linebacker Kyle Van Noy (17) and safety Harrison Smith (22) during the third quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Minnesota Vikings signed edge rusher Kyle Van Noy this offseason to take pressure off Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner. However, he has more than exceeded expectations in Brian Flores' defense and deserves to be rewarded for his play.

Despite being 35 years old and in his 13th year as a pro, Van Noy is tied for the most tackles for loss among all Vikings defenders. He is tied with inside linebacker Blake Cashman at 7.5 and is showing no signs of slowing down.

As soon as general manager Nolan Teasley is able, Minnesota should lock him down for one more season by signing him to an extension. Keeping him with the Purple and Gold ensures the Vikings' strong edge-rush presence at a low cost.

Vikings must prioritize Kyle Van Noy extension

Van Noy is averaging 19.2 defensive snaps per game, which is approximately 32 percent of the Vikings' total defensive snaps this year. In that limited role, he has still recorded 12 tackles, two quarterback hits, and 1.5 sacks.

What makes the Van Noy signing this offseason even more impressive is that Minnesota brought the two-time Super Bowl champion and former Pro Bowl edge rusher in on a one-year, $2.75 million deal to play for the 2026 NFL season.

Getting the type of production that Van Noy is experiencing this season at that cost is a huge bargain. His excellent play hasn't gone unnoticed by Pro Football Focus, which have him rated as the ninth-best edge rusher in the league out of 112 qualifying players with a grade of 85.1.

Although he can get after opposing quarterbacks at a solid rate, his real strength this year has been defending against the run. He has a PFF run defense grade of 86.3, which is the fourth-best of any edge rusher this season.

There's no reason not to lock Van Noy down for another season. He, Van Ginkel, and Turner have formed a dangerous trio of edge rushers who should return for the 2027 season. Plus, rewarding Van Noy for his play this season with a pay increase or bonuses would go a long way toward showing the veteran defender how much his contributions to Minnesota's defense are appreciated.

If Van Noy wants to play next season, it should be with the Vikings. And the team needs to make bringing him back a priority.

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