The Buffalo Bills made an interesting depth signing just before minicamp, bringing in veteran Greg Van Roten.
The 32-year-old has appeared in 77 games in his career making 50 starts. Of those, about half came over the past two years with the New York Jets.
In 2021, Von Roten was in and out of the lineup. However, Pro Football Focus, Van Roten earned an overall grade of 68.1 last season, allowing 37 pressures on 474 pass-blocking snaps.
First on Van Roten, Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott said Van Roten’s time on the field made a difference.
“Greg has tremendous experience. Obviously he’s played in the division for a window of his career. Was in Carolina–I was not with Greg there, but saw his body of work from afar. We have a lot of respect for Greg and what he’s been able to do during his career. I think its a good addition for us in terms of the competition, in terms of the experience. He has position flexibility as well,” Van Roten said.
McDermott also admitted what we all knew. Versatility? Competition? Bringing those things to Buffalo? Let’s do it.
“From an experience standpoint, it didn’t have to be experience, but depth and competition? Yes. The game is won up front on both sides of the ball,” McDermott said. “I think you’ve got to be able to control that line of scrimmage.”
In signing Van Roten, the Bills add a player that’s similar to the departed Jon Feliciano. He mostly has played guard in his career and can do so on both sides of the offensive line–plus, a backup center?
Van Roten can make it happen.
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