Giants' RG battle takes shape ahead of training camp

10-year veteran Greg Van Roten played every snap at right guard in 2024, the only Giant to do so on either side of the ball. He was re-signed to a one-year, $3MM contract this offseason and should enter training camp as the favorite to start once again this year.

However, the 35-year-old Van Roten will likely see some competition for first-team reps with the team’s younger guards. Former No. 7 pick Evan Neal transitioned to guard this offseason as he enters the final year of his rookie deal. He struggled at tackle across his first three seasons, but the Giants are hoping that a switch to the interior will help cover up his deficiencies in space. Neal is due just over $4MM in guaranteed money this year, but the Giants will pay a $2.95MM roster bonus on the third day of training camp, per OverTheCap. That will leave just $1.1MM in guaranteed salary for the season, an affordable price for a backup in New York or elsewhere if Neal doesn’t win the starting right guard job.

Second-year UDFA Jake Kubas made the Giants’ 53-man roster as a rookie and started the last three games of the season at both guard spots, per Duggan. He could also factor into the right guard competition, especially with two inexpensive years remaining on his contract with the potential for a restricted free agent tag in 2027.

Van Roten’s durability and consistency last year will put him in pole position to start in 2025, but the Giants must know that retirement isn’t far off for one of the oldest offensive linemen in the league. If Neal or Kubas emerges as a more long-term option, the team could elect to install him as the starter with Van Roten serving as an ultra-reliable backup.