It took several weeks to get done, but the New York Giants were finally able to sign veteran guard Greg Van Roten on Wednesday.
“They called a few weeks before training camp, said there was interest. We’re just trying to hammer out like the finer details and then reach an agreement,” Van Roten told reporters. “Nothing exciting, just kind of figuring out contract.”
For Van Roten, who was born in Rockville Centre, New York, he’s just happy to be home, having elected to play for the Giants over several other suitors.
“I’m happy to be back in the Northeast, close to home. Excited to be a part of this organization and add value where I can,” he said.
Location helped close the deal, but so did the presence of offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo, who he was with last season as a member of the Las Vegas Raiders. And his tackle mate during that time? Jermaine Eluemunor.
That familiarity made the Giants a natural fit.
“I had my best year of my career with Carm. So happy to be back around him. He’s a great like X’s and O’s coach, really does a good job of marrying like the run game with the pass game schematically,” Van Roten said. “So, you’re never at a disadvantage as an offensive lineman so it’s a good system to play in. He does a really good job communicating like the expectations. Obviously, him being here, Jermaine being here, familiarity, a little bit, with the system it just felt like a natural fit for me.”
Van Roten also has no real preference on where he plays. He’s seen time at left guard, right guard, and center throughout his career but expectations are that he’ll man the right guard spot, shifting Jon Runayn Jr. over to left guard.
“That’s why I have that value, is my versatility. It’s just one of those things where you could put me in anywhere and I can kind of figure it out. I think that’s a big reason why I’m here,” he said.
And don’t let his age (34) fool you. Van Roten believes he’s still got plenty of juice left in the tank.
“I got a few years left in me. We’ll see how this year goes and then hopefully stack a few more,” he said.
With Evan Neal seemingly a ways off from returning, Van Roten is poised to play a very important role for the Giants early this season.
