The Jets have made yet another move on their offensive line.
New York agreed to terms with former Carolina Panthers guard Greg Van Roten, according to multiple reports. The deal is for three years.
Van Roten is the latest addition by Joe Douglas to the Jets interior offensive line. The Jets have also added George Fant, Connor McGovern, Josh Andrews and now Van Roten in the middle. In addition, Douglas re-signed Alex Lewis.
Over the past two seasons, Van Roten has started 27 games. It’s likely that he will slide next to Lewis, which doesn’t bode well for Brian Winters. By cutting Winters, the Jets would save $7.2 million in cap space.
Van Roten originally signed with the Packers as an undrafted free agent out of Penn. He moved around before finding a permanent home in Carolina, including stops with the Seahawks, Toronto Argonauts of the CFL, Jaguars and Panthers.
After serving as a depth piece during the 2017 season, Van Roten signed a two-year extension in Carolina. He became a full-time starter in 2018, starting all 16 games at left guard. He was the only Panthers player to play every single offensive snap. In 2019, he played in 11 games before suffering a dislocated toe.
Over the past five seasons, the 30-year-old Van Roten has only committed one penalty.
The Jets have been linked to Van Roten since the start of free agency. Like the other offensive linemen Douglas has signed, he is athletic and versatile. He has experience at center and both guard positions with the ability to kick outside.
