Kyle Van Noy Signs With the Dolphins

Sometimes you have a breakup like this. With no victims. No bad blood. What is not so much one side dumping the other as it is what civilized, sophisticated people refer to as "a parting of the ways." 

Kyle Van Noy was a huge addition to the Patriots when he parachuted in from Detroit halfway through the 2016 as a replacement for Jamie Collins. Here's what I said about him when I made him my No. 3 re-signing priority this offseason, behind Devin McCourty and Joe Thuney, who are both coming back:

 Van Noy is the prime example of a young veteran who comes to New England, fits into the scheme, establishes himself as an integral part of the team, and then has the chance to cash in. He's a guy you can call a System Linebacker and it's a total compliment, because his game is elevated by his understanding of the concepts and the way they make the most of his abilities. It's not something everyone can grasp. He was among the leaders on the defense with 814 snaps, which was almost twice as many as No. 2 edge defender John Simon. He led the team with 15 QB Hits. And he was PFF's 21st highest graded edge player. It'll be a real test of whether other teams see him as a fit for them as well and wave a big fan of cash from the back of their limo. Or even if he's looking to maximize his earnings or just wants to compete for a title every year in the place that's perfect for him.

Clearly the team understood that he was going to be the beneficiary of a huge offer, which is why they didn't burn a lot of calories negotiating with him.

And it makes mountain ranges of sense that he would accept such a massive offer to go live in South Beach and work for Brian Flores, who defensive coordinated him to a ring the season before last. So this is definitely one of those rare situations with no bad blood. What the Family & Probate courts refer to as an "amicable divorce." Van Noy gets a pay day and a head coach he's comfortable with. The Dolphins get a guy who is a total system fit. And the Patriots do what they've always done: Not spend $51 million on a guy after they feel they've gotten the best out of him. 

For fans of his like me, Van Noy will be missed. He was part of the fabric around here. Someone who got it. Whether it was being a great interview or having a slice.

And who fit into the culture of the Patriots organization, which is built on successful, accomplished Alpha Males who win on the field and off. 

In that respect, he will be very tough to replace. But thank you for your service, Kyle. Congrats on you new contract. And here's wishing you a second place finish in the AFC East for years to come.