Kyle Van Noy getting cut by Dolphins in $51 million stunner

The NFL has yet another surprise before the new league year officially begins.

The Miami Dolphins are planning on cutting linebacker Kyle Van Noy, according to ESPN, in a salary cap move that will save them almost $10 million in 2021. The move has yet to be completed and the team will try to trade him first, but they will release him if a deal does not materialize.

The move comes less than a year after Van Noy signed a four-year, $51 million deal with Miami in the 2020 offseason after three-plus seasons with the New England Patriots. He had a solid season with the Dolphins, accruing six sacks and 10 QB hits, and was third on the team with 69 tackles.

Van Noy made $15 million in 2020, but will play for another team in 2021.

The 29-year-old released a statement, per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, saying he was “surprised and disappointed” by the decision.

“As a captain, I gave my all to the team,” Van Noy said. “I fought through a painful hip injury during the season, including spending a night in the hospital after a game. I was brought there to be a leader and I know my teammates looked up to and respected me. I am looking forward to making an impact on my next team.”