As the New England Patriots gear up for the 2026 NFL season, the offensive line has been a focal point of concern. With the preseason opener against the Indianapolis Colts leaving interior linemen Ben Brown and Andrew Rupcich sidelined due to injuries, the team moved swiftly to shore up its depth. Enter Greg Van Roten, a 36-year-old journeyman with a résumé that spans over a decade and nine different NFL teams. The Vulius NFL Analysis Desk breaks down what Van Roten brings to Foxborough and whether he can be the reliable insurance policy the Patriots desperately need.
Experience That Speaks Volumes
Van Roten's journey to the Patriots is anything but typical. After going undrafted out of Penn in 2012, he spent time with the Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks before a two-year stint in the CFL with the Toronto Argonauts. His NFL breakthrough came in 2018 with the Carolina Panthers, and since then, he has started 105 of his 148 career games. Notably, he started all 17 games for the New York Giants in 2025, playing 100% of offensive snaps while allowing just three sacks. That level of durability and consistency is precisely what the Patriots need as they look to protect their quarterback and establish a ground game.
Scouting Report: Strengths and Weaknesses
At 6'3" and 305 pounds, Van Roten possesses adequate size and a solid athletic foundation, though his Relative Athletic Score of 9.31 from 2012 is a distant memory. His pass protection remains his calling card: he plays with patience, uses his hands effectively, and understands angles better than most. However, at 36, his run blocking has declined, lacking the core strength and burst he once had. He also struggles at times with stunts and line games, and his shorter arms can be a liability against longer defenders. Still, as a backup, his experience and football IQ make him a valuable asset.
2026 Role and Contract Details
Van Roten signed a one-year, $3 million deal with the Patriots, but his cap number is $4.5 million due to likely-to-be-earned incentives. He's expected to serve as the top backup guard, with Ben Brown handling center duties once healthy. The Patriots' starting interior line features Alijah Vera-Tucker, Jared Wilson, and Mike Onwenu, so Van Roten's role is clear: be ready at a moment's notice. Given the team's injury history, his presence could be pivotal.
As the season unfolds, the question remains whether Van Roten can stave off Father Time and deliver when called upon. His 2025 campaign with the Giants proved he can still play at a high level, but the Patriots hope they won't need him to start. If they do, they know they have a player who has seen it all and won't shy away from the moment. Stay tuned to Vulius for all the latest Patriots analysis and NFL insights.
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