The New England Patriots announced the signing of veteran guard Greg Van Roten on Tuesday. The one‑year contract is valued at $3 million, with a signing bonus and performance incentives that could raise the total to $4.5 million, according to NFL Network.
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel has been seeking depth on the offensive line after top reserve Ben Brown suffered a leg injury in the preseason tie against the Indianapolis Colts. Vrabel said Brown will miss at least a few weeks, possibly up to two months, leaving a gap at both guard and center positions.
Van Roten, 36, brings extensive experience. He started every offensive snap for the New York Giants over the past two seasons and has missed only one game in the last five years. Over an 11‑year NFL career, he has logged 144 games (105 starts) with the Green Bay Packers, Carolina Panthers, New York Jets, Buffalo Bills, Las Vegas Raiders and the Giants, and also spent two seasons in the Canadian Football League.
The addition gives the Patriots a proven, versatile lineman who can play both left and right guard, providing immediate depth while the team evaluates Brown’s recovery.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
