Lions trade Kyle Van Noy, seventh-round pick to New England Patriots for sixth-rounder

The Detroit Lions have struggled with linebacker play all year and even a little last year. One of the most criticized players for the Lions has been former second-round pick Kyle Van Noy, who was pushed into a starting role for the first time in his career in 2016, his third year as a professional. The Lions have been so injury-prone at the position that Van Noy’s role with the has been huge over the first seven games.

That’s why it’s shocking to hear that the Lions have reportedly traded Van Noy to the New England Patriots, according to Adam Schefter. There is no word on what the Lions have received in return at the moment.

This move leaves the Lions extremely shallow at linebacker. Detroit had already been dealing with a rash of injuries including DeAndre Levy, Jon Bostic, Josh Bynes and Antwione Williams. All of those players excluding Williams are still sidelined, but hopes are that Levy can return soon and the Lions could very well re-sign Bynes if they need to.

As for Van Noy, his Lions career finishes with a disappointing 39 total games, seven starts and 35 tackles in just over two seasons with Detroit.

As soon as we get word on compensation for the team, we will update the story.

UPDATE: The Lions are sending Van Noy and a seventh round draft pick for a sixth round pick from the Patriots: