Chargers bolster defense with veteran Van Noy

The Los Angeles Chargers signed veteran linebacker Kyle Van Noy on Thursday, the team announced.

Van Noy spent the 2021 season on the New England Patriots. He was released in March in a move that created $5 million in salary-cap space for New England.

The 31-year-old, who helped the Patriots win two Super Bowls over two different stints, racked up 66 tackles, five sacks, and two forced fumbles through 16 games last year.

Los Angeles will be the fourth different team of Van Noy's career. The 2014 second-round pick spent time with the Detroit Lions (2014-16) and Miami Dolphins (2020). He played in New England from 2016 to 2019 before returning to the club last year.

The Chargers have tried bolstering their defense this offseason after it struggled in 2021. The defensive unit, which ranked 29th in scoring, allowed the third-most yards and touchdowns on the ground last season. Van Noy joins a group that also added linebacker Troy Reeder and pass-rusher Khalil Mack this offseason.