The New England Patriots are releasing linebacker Kyle Van Noy, according to Field Yates of ESPN.

The move to cut Van Noy will create just under $5M in cap space, per Yates. Cap space was a big concern for the Patriots heading into this offseason after Van Noy was part of New England’s offseason splash last season.

The 30-year-old played 16 out of 17 games for the Patriots this season in his second tenure with the team, after spending half of 2016 through 2019 with the team. Van Noy spent a year with the Dolphins before returning to the Patriots.

The move makes it even more likely that New England will draft a linebacker. Some of Boston Sports Wave’s favorite fits for the Patriots include Devin Lloyd (late first or early second), Chad Muma (second or third), and Quay Walker (third or fourth).

Van Noy can sign with any other team as soon as the release is made official. The linebacker had just one year remaining on the deal that he signed last year.

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