One of the biggest needs of the NY Giants this offseason was their offensive line. Joe Schoen knew this and acted accordingly, signing Jon Runyan Jr. and Jermaine Eluemunor to fill gaps in the trenches. However, it seems as if Schoen may not be done adding talent to the line.
According to Jeremy Fowler at ESPN, the Giants are bringing in veteran offensive guard Greg Van Roten in for a free agent visit. He started all 17 games for the Raiders last season and even has connections to new offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo.
Veteran guard Greg Van Roten is making a free agent visit to the #Giants, per source. Van Roten played well as a starter for the Raiders last year.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) July 22, 2024
The NY Giants are close to finalizing a deal with veteran OL Greg Van Roten
The 34-year-old veteran could provide a serious upgrade at guard. Through 626 pass-blocking snaps, Van Roten allowed 21 pressures and five sacks, earning a PFF pass-blocking grade of 77.4, which ranked seventh amongst all guards. To make matters even better, Van Roten also had the seventh-highest overall grade amongst all guards in the NFL according to PFF.
He's got loads of experience and wouldn't cost Joe Schoen and Co. a lot of money at this stage in free agency. Should he sign, which could happen sooner rather than later, it could cause some movement for the offensive line in the near future - specifically with Evan Neal.
Ruben with more on Van Roten - sources telling him a deal is close to being finalized https://t.co/Y8838PpRGh
— GMEN HQ (@GMENHQ) July 22, 2024
Unfortunately, the most likely scenario if Van Roten is signed is one where Neal is benched. The Giants are looking to return to the playoffs in 2024, and with two horrible seasons under his belt, they may not wish to waste more time developing Neal. Eluemunor provides a higher floor as a tackle, as a pass and run blocker and provides the Giants the best chance to succeed at the position.
Could we see Eluemunor make the move from right guard to right tackle, and Van Roten slides in next to him? There are a lot of moving parts here, but even bringing in Van Roten for a visit proves the Giants are still looking for some Neal insurance. This will be something to keep an eye on with camp almost here.