NFL Contract Details: Van Noy, Tomlinson, Cooks, Andreessen

The Vikings promoted outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy from the practice squad to the active roster at the beginning of October, but the move came with a bigger price tag than the usual veteran-minimum salary.

Van Noy instead received a $2.75MM deal with another $250k available via sack incentives, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, representing a pay cut from his last two contracts in Baltimore. Roughly $1.7MM is guaranteed, including a $1.35MM signing bonus, per OverTheCap. Reaching four sacks will unlock a $125k incentive, while six sacks will add another $125k. Since Van Noy did not hit those numbers last year, both incentives are considered ‘not likely to be earned’ and will be charged against the Vikings’ 2027 cap if they are met.

Van Noy had 1.5 sacks in Week 3 to open his 2026 tab, but he has been shut out in his last four appearances. But Brian Flores’ relentless blitzing should continue to create opportunities for the 13-year veteran to work towards his extra payday.

Van Noy appears to have learned a lesson from his 2023 season in Baltimore. He signed off the street in October to bolster the Ravens’ pass rush and was quickly promoted to the active roster with a standard veteran-minimum deal. He posted a then-career-high nine sacks and lamented his low pay for his efforts, though he did receive a two-year, $10MM extension in the offseason.

Here are some other recent contract details from around the NFL:

• Bills linebacker Joe Andreessen’s two-year, $5MM extension includes $3MM in total guarantees, according to OverTheCap. $2.25MM is fully guaranteed, comprised of a $750k signing bonus and $1.5MM in guaranteed salary across the next two seasons. The remaining $750k of his 2027 salary becomes guaranteed early in that league year, and he is due a $400k roster bonus early in the 2028 league year. Andreessen’s deal also includes $170k in per-game roster bonuses and $50k in workout bonuses in 2027 and 2028.
• Like Van Noy, Brandin Cooks negotiated a stronger contract with the 49ers when he was promoted from the practice squad. His deal is worth a base value of $2MM, comprised of a $1.8MM base salary and $200k in per-game roster bonus, per Spotrac. He can earn $250k for reaching each of his incentives: 35 receptions and 500 receiving yards. Like Van Noy, he was promoted from the practice
• The Packers signed veteran guard Laken Tomlinson off the Cowboys’ practice squad at the end of September. He will receive a veteran-minimum salary of $1.3MM with a $72k signing bonus (via OverTheCap).