SerpApi.Org
As NFL teams report to training camp over the next several days, two former Utah college stars who’ve both won a Super Bowl won’t be joining them — at least not yet.
Former Utah State linebacker Bobby Wagner and former BYU linebacker Kyle Van Noy are among the throng of current free agents, and in an article published earlier this week, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox identified the pair as two of the top 10 available free agents going into training camp.
Where would Bobby Wagner fit?
The 36-year-old Wagner spent the past two seasons with the Washington Commanders. Prior to that, he had played all but one of his now 14 NFL seasons with the Seattle Seahawks. That included winning a Super Bowl with the Seahawks back in 2014.
Remarkably, Wagner has recorded 100-plus tackles in every season he’s played in the NFL, all while earning first-team All-Pro honors six times. Last year, he had 162 tackles, 4.5 sacks, eight tackles for loss and two interceptions for Washington.
“It always feels like there’s at least one NFL star who can successfully stiff-arm Father Time until he’s finally ready to call it a career. We’re used to it being quarterbacks, but linebacker Bobby Wagner, who turned 36 last month, has shown no signs of slowing down,” Knox wrote.
“... Is Wagner the same perennial Pro Bowler he was for most of his career? Perhaps not, but the reigning Walter Payton Man of the Year is still an exemplary leader and an above-average starter.”
Knox identified the Dallas Cowboys and Jacksonville Jaguars as two logical places for Wagner to sign.
“At this stage in his career, Wagner would make the most sense for a team seeking both talent and experience on its defense and with enough overall talent to make a strong push for the postseason,” Knox wrote.
Where would Kyle Van Noy fit?
The 35-year-old Van Noy spent the last three seasons with the Baltimore Ravens after joining the team less than a month into the 2023 regular season.
In his 12 years in the NFL, he’s played for five teams and won a pair of Super Bowls with the New England Patriots earlier in his career.
Two years ago, Van Noy had his best season as an edge rusher, finishing the 2024 campaign with 12.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss.
“Veteran defender Kyle Van Noy has always been a bit flexible during his 12-year NFL career. He was largely an all-around linebacker during his time with the Patriots, and he’s been more of a pass-rush specialist over the last three seasons with the Ravens,” Knox wrote.
“In three seasons with Baltimore, Van Noy recorded 23.5 sacks and 54 quarterback pressures.”
Knox identified the San Francisco 49ers and Minnesota Vikings as two potential places for Van Noy to sign.
“Because of his experience and positional versatility, Van Noy could fit with a number of defenses as a free agent. However, he’s made it known that he’d love to land with the 49ers,” Knox wrote.
That would mean Van Noy would pair up with another former Cougar great, linebacker Fred Warner.
“San Francisco would be a sensible fit for Van Noy, given the fact that Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams are both returning from injuries,” Knox wrote. “So would just about any team or coach familiar with Van Noy and what he can add as a multi-faceted veteran leader.”
Which NFL players with Utah ties are currently free agents?
These 12 players with Utah ties who spent all or part of the 2025 season on an NFL roster are currently free agents:
Name | Position | Previous Team | Utah tie(s)
- Bradlee Anae | DE | San Francisco 49ers | University of Utah
- Braeden Daniels | OL | Miami Dolphins | University of Utah
- Michael Davis | CB | New Orleans Saints | BYU
- Taysom Hill | TE/QB | New Orleans Saints | BYU
- Ja’Quinden Jackson | RB | Jacksonville Jaguars | University of Utah
- Kyrese Rowan | WR | Denver Broncos | Utah State, University of Utah and Roy High
- Sione Takitaki | LB | Minnesota Vikings | BYU
- Deven Thompkins | WR | Buffalo Bills | Utah State
- Kyle Van Noy | OLB | Baltimore Ravens | BYU
- Bobby Wagner | LB | Washington Commanders | Utah State
- Marcus Williams | FS | Los Angeles Chargers | University of Utah
- Thomas Yassmin | TE | Los Angeles Chargers | University of Utah
