Dolphins part ways with Kyle Van Noy

Kyle Van Noy’s time with the Miami Dolphins will come to an end after just one season.

The Dolphins will part ways with Van Noy one year into a fouryear, $51 million deal they agreed to a year ago.

Van Noy, a two-time Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots where he was coached by Dolphins coach Brian Flores, was brought to Miami to be a team captain and elevate the Dolphins defense.

Van Noy had one of his best seasons, contributing six sacks and recording career highs with 10 tackles for loss and six pass deflections.

But news of his departure Tuesday could indicate there will be more cost-cutting moves for the Dolphins before free agency begins on March 17 at 4 p.m.

“I am surprised and disappointed in their decision,” Van Noy wrote in a statement to NFL Network.

“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.”

ESPN first reported the news on Van Noy, while ESPN and NFL Network reported the Dolphins could still seek a trade partner if a team is willing to take on the rest of his salary.

The Dolphins’ salary cap will increase roughly $9.5 million if Van Noy is released, jumping from $22.7 million to $31.8 million, according to OverTheCap.com.

The added money, and any other subsequent roster cuts that could occur before the new league year to trim salary, will better position the Dolphins in free agency to bolster the team before April’s draft.

One year after the Dolphins signed Van Noy and other key defenders, Miami finds itself with significant needs on offense (wide receiver, running back and center). The team could also use depth at linebacker and defensive tackle.

Van Noy, who played in 14 games and was paid $15 million last season, was set to earn $12.5 million in base salary, which would have been fully guaranteed by March 21.

The Dolphins may already have a player on the roster to replace Van Noy as an outside linebacker/edge rusher — Andrew Van Ginkel, who had 5.5 sacks, seven tackles for loss, 10 quarterback hits, three forced fumbles and returned fumble for a touchdown last season.