At a certain point, even the most reliable NFL players are cast to the side. Former New York Giants starter Greg Van Roten is learning that lesson the hard way.
After two seasons of holding down a starting guard position for the G-Men, Van Roten is still sitting in free agency without any apparent momentum toward a deal. Multiple other guards have already been picked up, but the 36-year-old has been passed over time and time again. Even the Giants themselves chose to add other guards instead of bringing the veteran back.
Van Roten is now facing the harsh truth that, after 11 seasons, his NFL career might be over.
Former Giants starter Greg Van Roten could be at the end of his NFL career
It hasn't exactly been a typical career for Van Roten. The veteran guard struggled to find his footing in the league after joining the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2012. He then went three years without making an NFL roster from 2014 to 2016, turning to the CFL to resurrect his career.
After finally making it back into the league, Van Roten has become a reliable starter. The Giants benefited greatly from his services, starting him at right guard in both 2024 and 2025. He played over 1,000 offensive snaps in each season, the highest two marks of his career.
While New York's offensive line hasn't been elite in recent years, Van Roten was a valuable piece for the G-Men. He allowed pressures on less than 3% of his pass-blocking snaps with the Giants and was an effective run blocker.
Of course, the Giants have invested heavily in the guard position since Van Roten departed. They drafted Francis Mauigoa in the first round to take his spot at right guard and signed Daniel Faalele to back him up. With Jon Runyan expected to start on the other side, Big Blue is likely set at guard.
There's still a chance that another team signs Van Roten closer to the start of the regular season. Injuries during training camp and preseason can make teams desperate for veteran help.
Spotrac currently estimates that Van Roten is worth about $5 million per year. That's good value for starting guard play if the veteran can continue his 2025 production. But if there isn't an interested team by the start of the regular season, the former Giants starter may be pushed into retirement.
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