While the Cincinnati Bengals have not had the success they would have liked these past few seasons, the team can feel comfortable that they are set at the most important position.
Aside from injuries, quarterback Joe Burrow has been among the best in the NFL, as he led the NFL in passing yards and touchdowns during the 2024 season. As a result, despite Cincinnati missing the playoffs for three consecutive seasons, Burrow has drawn respect around the league, even from players who have been division rivals.
Recently, one former player for the Baltimore Ravens, who is currently a free agent, shared his thoughts on the Bengals quarterback.
Former Ravens Player Shares Thoughts on Cincinnati Bengals Quarterback
Kyle Van Noy, who was a member of the Baltimore Ravens for the past three seasons, including 2024, when he made his first career Pro Bowl, spoke about Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow with Kay Adams.
Van Noy said, “I did enjoy when I was at the Pro Bowl getting to know Joe Burrow, how he locked in for a flag football game, and the competitive side that he has and how he turns it on. When you play against him, and you’re on the football field, you understand that he’s a top-three quarterback in this league. If you know, you know. But he’s that dude.”
The former Ravens player has totaled 57 career sacks; however, he is coming off a down season as he recorded only two sacks in 2025 in comparison to his 12.5-sack season in 2024. He struggled as a pass rusher last season, as he ranked 107th out of 115 qualified edge rushers according to Pro Football Focus. Were the Bengals to pursue him, he may have an impact on the team’s run defense, which struggled last season, as PFF ranked him as the 13th-best edge rusher against the run last season.
Potential Fit with Cincinnati
Bengals on SI writer Zach Pressnell discussed the idea of Van Noy potentially joining the Bengals in free agency. Pressnell wrote:
“Van Noy is a veteran leader, which is exactly what the Bengals need on defense. He’s a two-time Super Bowl champion and a one-time Pro Bowler. Adding this kind of talent to a young Bengals defense would give it more veteran leadership and championship mentality.”
Regarding what kind of impact Van Noy can have on a team, he said, “I understand that you need a team to be successful. I understand what it takes to win a championship. I know what it looks like. You have to have teammates. You have to have guys that are really good at their job. I’m not a part of anybody’s master plan of the future. I’m the plan of a fixer. I’m going in there to fix the problems.”
Van Noy added, “I mean, that’s what I did with the Ravens when they had injuries in 2023. Every stop I’ve been at, I’ve made better. And when I leave, they have been worse off. The Patriots, where I’ve left Miami, where I’ve left Los Angeles after being there for just one season, that’s just kind of what has happened. That’s kind of the standard that I hold, not only myself to, but other teammates. When I come in the door, it’s a championship mindset.”
Former Ravens Pro Bowl Player Makes Feelings Clear on Bengals QB Joe Burrow