The Miami Dolphins have told Kyle Van Noy they're releasing him, the linebacker confirmed Tuesday.
"I am surprised and disappointed in their decision," Van Noy said in a statement obtained by NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. "As a captain, I gave my all to the team. 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, on and off the field."
Van Noy joined the Dolphins on a four-year, $51-million contract last offseason. His $12.5-million salary for 2021 would've become guaranteed if he was still on the roster March 19.
Miami saves nearly $9.8 million against the cap by cutting him, according to OverTheCap. The team now has the eighth-most cap space in the NFL at $31.88 million.
In 14 outings for the Dolphins, Van Noy contributed 69 tackles, six sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and six pass breakups. His sack total was the second-highest figure of his career, trailing the 6.5 he posted for the New England Patriots in 2019.
A reunion between Van Noy and the Patriots is within the realm of possibility, a source told Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald.
With Van Noy gone from Miami, Andrew Van Ginkel could be tabbed for a larger role in Brian Flores' defense.