Patriots sign ex-Giants journeyman guard

The New England Patriots have signed veteran offensive guard Greg Van Roten to a one-year contract, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported Monday. The 36-year-old previously worked out for New England on Aug. 6, and that audition has now resulted in an agreement.

Van Roten arrives with extensive NFL experience and spent the previous two seasons as the New York Giants’ starting right guard. He has appeared in 148 career games and made 105 starts. He has also started 34 consecutive games for the Giants after opening the 2023 season as the Las Vegas Raiders’ starting right guard for all 17 games.

The Patriots’ decision comes after backup offensive guard Ben Brown suffered an injury during the team’s preseason opener. Brown is expected to miss the remainder of the preseason, creating an immediate need for additional interior offensive-line depth. The 28-year-old started 14 games for New England over the past two seasons, including 300 snaps at left guard last year after playing exclusively at center in 2024.

Van Roten originally entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Green Bay Packers in 2012. His career has also included stops with the Carolina Panthers, New York Jets, Buffalo Bills, Raiders and Giants. He additionally spent non-playing time with the Seattle Seahawks and Jacksonville Jaguars and had a stint with the CFL’s Toronto Argonauts.

The veteran became a regular starter after returning to the NFL, including 27 starts for the Panthers from 2018-19 and 23 starts for the Jets across two seasons. He signed with the Raiders in 2023 and started all 17 games before joining the Giants in 2024.

Van Roten also brings versatility because he has experience at center. He played more than 130 snaps there for the Giants in 2024 and the Bills in 2022.

With Michael Onwenu and Alijah Vera-Tucker listed as New England’s starters, Van Roten now gives the Patriots another experienced option along the interior offensive line.