NFL
Patriots host veteran offensive lineman for visit
As the New England Patriots continue to look for guard depth, they hosted veteran Greg Van Roten for a visit on Thursday
Alex Barth
Updated Aug 6, 2026 12:42 PM EDT
The New England Patriots hosted guard Greg Van Rotenfor a visit on Thursday morning. NFL insider Ian Rapoport was the first to report the visit
Van Roten, 36, entered the NFL as a UDFA in 2012 and has spent time with six NFL teams, plus a stint in the CFL. In that time he’s played in 144 NFL games making 105 starts. Most of his experience is at right guard, but he’s also spent time at left guard and center
For the last two years, Van Roten was the starting right guard for the New York Giants. He did not miss a game – or a snap – in either season
The Patriots do have a prior connection to Van Roten. Current Patriots vice president of player personnel Ryan Cowdenwas the Giants’ executive advisor to the general manager when the team signed Van Roten in 2024. Van Roten also briefly overlapped with Doug Marrone with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2017
John Jones-Imagn Images
Greg Van Roten has started over 100 games in his NFL career, including each of the last two full seasons for the New York Giants
This workout comes as the Patriots guard depth has struggled in training camp. Given the injury history of starting left guard Alijah Vera-Tucker, and the fact that top backup Ben Brown is also the backup center, keeping a second backup interior player might make sense. Andrew Rupcichand Caedan Wallaceappeared to be the next two players up at the start of camp, but James Hudson and Mehki Butlerhave also rotated through those spots
Earlier this week, head coach Mike Vrabel spoke about the competition at the guard position
“I think that guys are working in there. James is getting some reps inside there, and there will be a time where you guys will see Caleb [Lomu] work in there,” Vrabel noted. “So, we’re just looking to find the best combination of guys for the season. So, I think we’re okay. I think the depth could always be better at every position, just to continue to build competition and finding the right mix of guys that are going to help us for this year.”
At the time of the visit, the Patriots’ 90-man roster is full. They’d have to make a corresponding move to sign Van Roten
New England Patriots
Alex BarthWriter
Alex Barth is a digital content producer and on-air host for 98.5 The Sports Hub. Barth grew up in the Boston area and began covering the New England Patriots, Boston Celtics, and Boston Red Sox in 2017 before joining the Hub in 2020. He now covers all things Boston Sports for 985TheSportsHub.com as well as appearing on air. Alex writes about all New England sports, as well as college football. You can follow him across all social media platforms at @RealAlexBarth.
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