Story by
The Vikings Make a Pair of Signings to Beef Up the Pass Rushing Department
- Story by
- The Vikings Make a Pair of Signings to Beef Up the Pass Rushing Department
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
At long last, the Vikings got their men. Note: multiple . Men, not man.
For a little while, Kyle Van Noy has looked like an obvious promotion candidate . Minnesota burned through the three freebie elevations from the practice squad from Week 1 to Week 3. The time has now come for the Vikings to carve out a more permanent spot on the 53-man roster. Sensible and fair.
Advertisement
He's now on the team as part of the 53-man roster.
What's also noteworthy is that the pass rushing effort has received yet another boost : Kenny Dyson is back in the Vikings' orbit. He's being grafted onto the practice squad, filling the vacated Van Noy job. In a sense, then, the Vikings are getting a two-for-one deal. The elder statesman and young lad will look to ensure the Vikings continue making life difficult for the opposing quarterback.
The Vikings Sign 2 Pass Rushers
So far, Brian Flores has been leading a terrifying crew of pass rushers.
Minnesota's defense sits at 2nd in the NFL by allowing just 13.7 points against per game. Some of that sizzle can be attributed to the wind and rain at Soldier Field in Week 2, but most of the glory belongs to the DC and the defenders. Already, the team is sitting atop 14 sacks and 37 quarterback hits. Neither Caleb Williams ( Chicago in Week 2) nor Baker Mayfield ( Buccaneers in Week 3) could finish the game healthy.
Sep 27, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (7) carries the ball defended by Minnesota Vikings linebacker Kyle Van Noy (17) and safety Harrison Smith (22) during the third quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
The veteran pass rusher has been active for all three games. Almost quietly, Van Noy has been offering sturdy play. His statistics show 7 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 2 quarterback hits, and 4 tackles for loss.
Advertisement
His production comes as the EDGE3 behind starters Dallas Turner and Andrew Van Ginkel . Not too bad, eh? Don't forget that he's a 35-year-old who got signed just before the 2026 season. Becoming the prophesied EDGE3 is spiffy work from Van Noy.
Meanwhile, Dyson is meant to bring some juice to the pass rushing crew, as well, but with less pressure to perform right away. The young lad can be given time to develop if that's what's needed.
The Vikings had tried to sign him to the practice squad a few weeks ago but got foiled by an NFL technicality. Apparently, enough time has passed for the NFL to allow the deal to materialize. Look for him to get work at some point due to the promise he demonstrated in the preseason. He's slippery out there.
Could he help on specials as an undersized edge rusher who moves well? If so, then that gives him even more utility.
Aug 8, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive end Derrick McLendon (40) and defensive end Kenny Dyson Jr. (55) high-five before a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
Next up are the Miami Dolphins , a terrible team that should — should — be handled with relative ease. Expect the Vikings' coaches and players to say everything right but losing this game would be embarrassing.
Advertisement
Maybe the best way to neutralize the pass rush is to lean on a potent ground attack. The Dolphins may look to pursue that precise strategy but they'll need to do without the help of De'Von Achane, who is out for the year due to his torn ACL . Malik Willis appears likely to struggle if he's facing 3rd & long for the entire game; Miami's coaching staff will need to be shrewd.
But, to be sure, the Vikings' pass rushing department won't feel too bad. Look for these guys to pin their ears back as they look to keep piling on the pressure as Minnesota chases a 4-0 start to the season.
Also Read on Vikings Territory: As Promised, Vikings Snag a New Arm for the 53
Related Headlines
Advertisement
