The Patriots' 2025 Super Bowl run was filled with highs and lows, with their weaknesses on full display, showing exactly what groups they needed to address as soon as the offseason began.
They accomplished that through free agency and the draft by signing multiple offensive linemen, most notably guard Alijah Vera-Tucker and double-dipping at tackle to infuse more youth and depth to the group as a whole. Although neither is expected to start this year, they were needed as insurance this season.
Everything was looking great this summer until disaster hit in the preseason opener last week against the Colts, as backup center Ben Brown went down with an injury and will miss some time, as well as backup guard Andrew Rupcich, who was placed on season-ending injured reserve over the weekend.
This came after the team decided to trade its 2024 third-round pick, Caedan Wallace, to the Dolphins, stripping the offense of much-needed depth that it is now rushing to fill.
That's what led them back to trusted veteran guard Greg Van Roten, whom they visited last week and officially signed to the roster on Monday evening.
The Patriots are getting a solid depth piece with starting potential from Greg Van Roten
While he might not be the most ideal solution, given he is 36 years old and the Patriots are the ninth team he has signed with during his 11-year career, he was as reliable as they come in recent years, to the point of Giants fans sharing their disappointment that he wasn't brought back.
In fact, resident Giants expert Matt Sidney had some optimistic words about the kind of teammate and player Van Roten is and shared what New England should expect from their latest addition.
"Greg Van Roten is an unreal late-offseason signing. While he primarily plays right guard, he can play all three interior positions. Over the last two years with the Giants, he started all 34 games, never missing a snap.
GVR is the ultimate locker room/glue guy and a veteran the G-Men will no doubt miss this upcoming season. The Pats are getting a real one, and their interior depth just got a major upgrade."
If dependability and experience are something the Patriots were looking for, they will certainly get that from Van Roten, who hasn't missed a game since the 2022 season (when he missed just one) and has started 105 games at guard.
Other than what he can ultimately add to the offense on game day, the veteran is also known for being the ideal leader in the locker room, and that is going to be invaluable to a mostly young offensive line.
It's a big reason for Morgan Moses' importance to the group, and now they can add Van Roten into the mix to bring the same kind of knowledge and mentorship that could really boost the group moving forward.
His consistency will play a major role in where he fits and provide major insurance for the Patriots, especially with injury concerns surrounding Vera-Tucker since he joined the team. Van Roten rounds out the group well, and if worse comes to worst, he can be the immediate starter when called upon.
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