Needing linebacker depth after some of their talented linebackers have been dealing with injuries, the New England Patriots have reportedly traded for Detroit Lions linebacker Kyle Van Noy. Van Noy should help with depth along the defense for the Patriots and could provide some assistance as a pass rusher within the scheme.
From @JamesWalkerNFL & I: the Lions have traded LB Kyle Van Noy to the Patriots. Expected to be draft pick compensation in return.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) October 25, 2016
To add onto this: Denver is sending its 5th round pick in 2017 for Derby, per a league source. https://t.co/IUe5ndDyoD
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) October 25, 2016
Van Noy is a talented linebacker who can fit in well as a weak-side linebacker or a strong-side linebacker in the Patriots’ scheme. He’ll provide instant depth behind Shea McClellin for the rest of the season. After 2016, Van Noy is still under contract for one more year and could be the starting weak-side linebacker for the Patriots in 2017.
Assuming the draft pick is a lower-level one, the Patriots might end up looking like thieves yet again.