Minnesota Vikings Expected to Host Pro Bowl Pass-Rusher With Ties to Brian Flores

Once the Minnesota Vikings initially trimmed their roster down to 53 players, a few things jumped off the page. One, was the fact that Tyler Batty was being placed on injured reserve after tearing his ACL. The second-year former undrafted free agent signee had been competing not just for a spot on the roster, but to be one of the top rotational edge rushers in Brian Flores's defense.

With Batty out, it leaves an already thin group of edge rushers in dire need of an upgrade. While Dallas Turner and Andrew Van Ginkel seem poised for a big year, it's a guessing game as to who will be the team's third edge rusher. Second-round rookie Jake Golday? Former undrafted free agent signees Chaz Chambliss or Bo Richter? It's anyone's guess at this point.

Yet, now the Vikings are expressing interest in adding a proven Pro Bowler at arguably their biggest position of need.

Kyle Van Noy Expected to Visit Minnesota Vikings

According to KSTP's insider Darren Wolfson , free agent pass-rusher Kyle Van Noy is "very much on the Vikings' radar." He adds that a "visit is expected to take place."

Free agent Kyle Van Noy is very much on the #Vikings radar. A visit is expected to take place. Personally, seeing how entertaining he is on this app, 🙏🏼 to happening! pic.twitter.com/aa2eRyUJLI — Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) September 1, 2026

Free agent Kyle Van Noy is very much on the #Vikings radar. A visit is expected to take place. Personally, seeing how entertaining he is on this app, 🙏🏼 to happening! pic.twitter.com/aa2eRyUJLI

Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) September 1, 2026

The 35-year-old spent last season with the Baltimore Ravens , where he recorded just two sacks in 15 games (494 snaps). However, the 6-foot-3, 255-pound outside linebacker was a Pro Bowler in the season prior, recording 12.5 sacks.

While he wasn't as effective at bringing down quarterbacks last season, Van Noy may be able to help the Vikings set the edge as a run-stopper. Last season, he ranked 13th among edge-rushers graded by Pro Football Focus with a 76.7 run-stopping grade. That was an area that got a bit exposed during the preseason, but of course the Vikings weren't at full strength, nor were they running their typical defense since Flores handed over playcalling duties to his assistants.

It also helps that coach Flores is very familiar with him, having won two Super Bowls alongside Van Noy while coaching him for three seasons in New England, and another year in Miami.

While he could need a bit of time to get back up to full speed, he may have an easier acclimation period in Minnesota, considering he's already familiar with coach Flores's defense and would only be asked to play on a part-time basis. Still, he's exactly the type of player Flores loves, as someone who can help rush from either edge and even play a bit of inside linebacker in a pinch; Van Noy would be yet another valued, versatile chess piece for the Vikings' defense.