Kyle Van Noy is one of the top defenders set to hit the free-agent market, and the linebacker recently said he was open to the idea of returning to the team that drafted him.

Van Noy, who the Detroit Lions took in 2014′s second round, has excelled since the team shipped him to New England in the middle of the 2016 season. Since the move, the linebacker has won two Super Bowls and racked up 16.5 sacks and forced five fumbles with the Patriots.

Van Noy recently spoke with Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network, and said he was open to the idea of returning to Detroit and reuniting with Lions coach Matt Patricia.

“He said ‘sure’ when I asked if he’d be open to going back to Detroit, considering it’s a new staff,” Garafolo said in response to Pride of Detroit on Twitter. “Wasn’t a long answer. He spoke about Patricia being one of three former NE coaches who will likely show interest.”

Van Noy endured a bumpy 30-game tenure with the Lions, but that was at least under a different coach. Current Lions general manager Bob Quinn was behind the trade with his former employer in New England, though.

The rumors surrounding Von Noy returning to Detroit are nothing new as Pro Football Focus recently predicted the Lions would sign the linebacker to a three-year, $30.5 million deal with $15 million guaranteed.

Related: PFF predicts Detroit Lions will sign Melvin Gordon, reunite with Kyle Van Noy this offseason

Kyle Van Noy makes a huge play for the Patriots defense pic.twitter.com/gV2F2XgBM4 — PFF (@PFF) February 4, 2019

In 2019, Van Noy was used primarily as an edge rusher instead of mixing in snaps in the box as he had in previous years. He thrived in this more focused role, picking up the highest PFF pass-rush grade (72.1) and the total amount of pressures (58) of his career. Detroit’s top pass rusher was Devon Kennard, who Van Noy happened to rank 50 spots ahead of per the analytics site.

It’s not just the connection to Patricia that stands out, but the familiarity between Van Noy and defensive end Trey Flowers. Detroit signed Flowers to a $90 million deal last season and could boost that investment by throwing someone like Van Noy into the mix.

Related: Patriots LB Kyle Van Noy takes high road on Lions exit

“I kind of view myself in the Tyrann Mathieu mold. Obviously, we play different positions, but he’s a football player,” Van Noy said in the interview. "I view myself the same way. I can play on the ball, off the ball, I can drop into coverage, I can rush the passer, I can do every single thing you want.

“It’s pretty funny going from being hurt and playing a little bit in Detroit to making calls for the best team in the league. It was a big blessing. I’m happy about my time there (New England). I hope it’s not done but business is business and it’ll be done as it goes.”

Van Noy said he hadn’t had any talks with the Patriots regarding a new deal, but figures that's due to the pending Tom Brady situation. He added: “I’m sure they’re waiting for Tom.”

Last year, the Lions posted the league’s worst pass-rush win rate while generating the second least amount of sacks and allowing the most passing yards. Jarrad Davis and Christian Jones were two of PFF’s eighth-worst linebackers, and the unit requires some serious bolstering despite every piece of the rotation locked up.

Related: Detroit Lions free agency preview: Graham Glasgow’s impending exit looms large on offense