New York Jets free agency: Kyle Van Noy represents everything Joe Douglas wants

New England Patriots versatile veteran Kyle Van Noy would represent a keen free agent signing for Joe Douglas and the New York Jets. Anything you can do, I can do better. Right? Well, for the New York Jets, when thinking about the New England Patriots, it's not possible. At least, not yet. What can happen, instead, is a Larry David-like spite store situation. Latte Larry's, coming in the form of the Jets, of course, can ramp up production right next to Mocha Joe's, the Pats. But what started as a store strictly in the mold of spite has quickly turned into flavorful coffee created by some of the world's best beans. Kyle Van Noy doesn't just represent spite. The veteran linebacker makes his way to the open market as an interesting case. Van Noy, 28 (will turn 29 later this month), is a two-time Super Bowl champion who doesn't exactly fit the Jets defense upon first glance. Another linebacker? Why? It's true, Van Noy came out of BYU as a true second-level backer. From 2014 through the early part of 2016, he played WILL or SAM for the team that drafted him in the second round, the Detroit Lions. That really didn't change when Bill Belichick decided to acquire him. He played the WILL in a Belichick four-man front under defensive coordinator Matt Patricia. Interestingly, upon his arrival, the sacks and production started to come. Five and a half sacks and 73 tackles in 2017. Three and a half sacks and 92 tackles in 2018. Six and a half sacks and 56 tackles a year ago. The man who once served as a true second-level backer had turned into a versatile threat all over the field. Belichick had him lining up everywhere, including the edge in his 3-4/hybrid scheme. According to Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News, the Jets have expressed interest in the versatile Van Noy. https://twitter.com/MMehtaNYDN/status/1239585583371960320 Earlier in the day, another Jets target, Joe Thuney, didn't have a shot to even enter the market after the Pats slapped him with the franchise tag. Point the camera over to Larry David so his smug, spit-filled smile can now dominate. Ultimately, it's understood Van Noy is much more than spite. Poll fans and the idea of a soon-to-be 29-year-old who isn't a true edge feels stale. They'll provide a "no thanks" or "pass" without a second thought. That's why second thoughts in the NFL are invaluable. Joe Douglas is looking to turn around an organization, completely revamp an entire locker room. Rumors are already swirling that his own free agents aren't feeling a ton of love at the moment. It looks as though they're already out on Jordan Jenkins and there's no news concerning Robby Anderson. It's apparent Douglas wants to rip this roster apart and start fresh. Remember G.M. Joe's final presser of the season. Culture was the buzz word of the day. Kickstarting a program with the right individuals rules his roost. The Pats' champion embodies his ideal player by way of those qualities. It's also evident Douglas values the NFL Draft, first and foremost. He simply won't overpay free agents, in-house or otherwise (with the exception of maybe Jack Conklin). Van Noy won't cost a ton of dough and his intangible qualities are invaluable to a franchise looking to turn the tide. Douglas knows it. Gregg Williams knows it. Sure, he isn't the perfect fit. New York is already loaded on the second level with C.J. Mosley, Avery Williamson and Blake Cashman. But they do need edge help and Williams loves his linebackers to showcase the ability to play multiple positions. In 2019, Williams turned guys like Brandon Copeland and Frankie Luvu into guys who can play both the edge and second level. Van Noy fits that bill perfectly. No, this man isn't Jadeveon Clowney. He won't wow anybody with his edge speed or power en route to the quarterback. And yes, his sack totals are absolutely inflated due to playing for one of the greatest defensive minds in NFL history. The man will not solve the Jets' edge woes. But don't think for one second Kyle Van Noy is useless. Belichick has glowed about Van Noy's leadership, something the all-time coach won't do for everybody. "Kyle's done a really good job for us," Belichick said, via 247 Sports. "He's a player that didn't start his career here but has come in and really has understood the way that we have tried to do things. He's embraced it. He's become very much of a leader in, A, doing his job and doing it the right way, but also helping other guys, particularly guys that transition onto the team as he did. He has a good perspective for that. But, he's been very durable, dependable, he's a smart football player, he's versatile. He can do a lot of different things defensively, in the running game, in the passing game and in the kicking game. So, he's got a good skill set and is a smart player with experience and can fill a lot of different roles for us. It's hard to find players like that. He's been a valuable guy for us." At the right price ($10-12 million per season), this versatile veteran's intangible quality brings the correct stuff to the right organization and the perfect time while the perfect free-agent edge is nonexistent.