The Chargers took a best-player-available approach in the 2022 NFL draft that left some holes on the roster, including at edge rusher and inside linebacker.
They solved that problem by adding a versatile linebacker with Super Bowl experience.
Veteran linebacker Kyle Van Noy is expected to sign with the Chargers after visiting with the team, a source confirmed to the Southern California News Group on Thursday. Van Noy, 31, played in 16 games for the New England Patriots last season as an outside and inside linebacker.
Van Noy won two Super Bowls during his first stint with the Patriots between 2016 and 2019. Van Noy’s second stint lasted only a season and he was released by the team in March. The nine-year veteran has also played for the Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins.
“We went into the draft and if that was a part of the equation, then we would’ve selected a rusher, it just didn’t quite work out that way,” Chargers coach Brandon Staley said after the draft last week. “To kind of fill out the depth of that position, we’re going to have to look elsewhere.”
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The Chargers found Van Noy and haven’t settled since landing edge rusher Khalil Mack in a trade in March to kickoff their aggressive offseason. Van Noy could be the third pass rusher behind Mack and Joey Bosa, and could provide depth at inside linebacker to assist Drue Tranquill, Kenneth Murray and Troy Reeder.
This is the second post-draft need the Chargers have addressed this week. The team signed cornerback Bryce Callahan on Wednesday.
With Van Noy and Callahan, the Chargers appear to have a star-studded defense with plenty of depth.
— Kyle Van Noy (@KVN_03) May 5, 2022