The Minnesota Vikings' defensive line has been feasting during the early portion of the 2026 NFL campaign, recording a league-leading 14 sacks in three games. Kyle Van Noy got in on the party last Sunday. The 35-year-old outside linebacker was already providing meaningful snaps, but he erupted versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The two-time Super Bowl champion posted one and a half sacks in Minnesota's 23-16 road victory, putting himself in position to earn some additional cash.

“When the Vikings signed LB Kyle Van Noy to the active roster this week, he got more than a standard minimum salary for such a promotion,” NFL Network's Mike Garafolo explained on X. “His deal pays $2.75m in base value with just under $2m guaranteed. Another $250k in incentives that start at 4 sacks (he’s already at 1.5).”

Article Continues Below

Obviously, Van Noy's reunion with elite defensive coordinator Brian Flores is going well for all involved. Besides giving opposing quarterback Baker Mayfield a hard time, the 2024 Pro Bowl selection has three stuffs and seven total tackles. He provides valuable experience and production for a Vikings squad that is heavily relying on its fierce front-seven to win games.

Minnesota's QB room remains an enigma, and superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson is now nursing an ankle injury, so Flores' unit will be even more important when the Vikings (3-0) host the Miami Dolphins (0-3) on Sunday. Malik Willis has been sacked nine times behind a shaky offensive line, offering Dallas Turner, Andrew Van Ginkel and the rest of this stout D-Line a prime opportunity to pad their NFL sacks lead.

Kyle Van Noy is included in that group after joining the 53-man roster. He will try to help Minnesota stay undefeated, and in the process, draw himself closer toward that $250,000 benchmark.