The Patriots released veteran linebacker Kyle Van Noy on Monday, saving just over $4 million on the salary cap. (AP photo)

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The re-tooling of the New England Patriots roster for the 2022 season has begun.

The team released veteran linebacker Kyle Van Noy after his second go-round in New England, saving about $4.1 million off the cap a week before NFL free agency begins.

Many feel the Patriots need to get younger and faster at the position. Van Noy was scheduled to cost $7.3 million on the cap and now is free to sign immediately with any team. New England now has $9 million in cap space, pretty much doubling the space it had before the move.

Van Noy played on two Super Bowl champions in New England,but left after the 2019 season to sign with Miami and his former position coach, then-Dolphins head coach Brian Flores. But the Dolphins released him after the 2020 season and he rejoined the Patriots with a two-year, $12 million deal.

Van Noy was a steady veteran presence for the Patriots this past season, and was fourth on the team in tackles with 66 after playing in all 16 games. His five sacks were second on the team and he had 10 passes defended, a forced fumble, and pick six.

There’s some speculation that Van Noy could rejoin the Patriots at a lower price, but that’s doubtful. He first arrived here in a late October trade with Detroit in 2016. Over eight NFL seasons, he has played in 111 games with 73 starts, 414 tackles, 28.5 sacks, nine forced fumbles, seven fumble recoveries and three interceptions.