The New England Patriots have returned to the veteran market while one of their offensive linemen remains away from training camp.
Veteran guard Greg Van Roten visited New England on Aug. 6, according to KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson.
The meeting came three days after the Patriots brought in former Baltimore Ravens guard Jared Penning for a free-agent visit.
That first meeting added a developmental option. Van Roten offers something different: 144 games of NFL experience and a run of 51 consecutive regular-season starts.
New England hasn’t signed either player.
The two visits still show the team is keeping its options open as Caedan Wallace continues to miss practice.
The projected starting line has remained intact. Will Campbell, Alijah Vera-Tucker, Jared Wilson, Mike Onwenu and Morgan Moses formed the top unit during Wednesday’s walkthrough.
Van Roten’s visit is more about protecting that group than breaking it apart.
Continuity carries added value for an offense trying to protect its quarterback without weakening the line’s strongest spots.
Van Roten Brings Proven Interior Insurance
GettyEAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – NOVEMBER 02: Greg Van Roten #74 of the New York Giants is introduced against the San Francisco 49ers before their game at MetLife Stadium on November 02, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Van Roten has started every regular-season game over the past three years, first with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2023 and then with the New York Giants in 2024 and 2025.
The Giants signed him one week into training camp in 2024, and he played every offensive snap that season. He made 15 starts at right guard and the final two at center, giving New York stability as injuries forced changes elsewhere on the line.
His workload barely changed last season. Van Roten played 1,150 offensive snaps and started all 17 games again. Pro Football Focus gave him a 65.4 overall grade and a 70.2 pass-blocking grade, which ranked 22nd among 81 qualifying guards.
He allowed three sacks and one quarterback hit.
Those numbers place him closer to steady veteran than elite interior blocker, which explains why a contender would bring him in during August.
The 36-year-old can play both guard spots and center.
That flexibility would allow the Patriots to keep Onwenu and Vera-Tucker in their established roles if another starter misses time. It would also give New England an experienced alternative behind Wilson, who moved from left guard to center this offseason.
Wallace Absence Keeps Patriots Looking
GettyEAGAN, MINNESOTA – AUGUST 13: Caedan Wallace #70 of the New England Patriots and Jalen Redmond #61 of the Minnesota Vikings participate in a drill at Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center on August 13, 2025 in Eagan, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
Wallace’s absence has stretched across multiple practices, including Wednesday’s walkthrough. The Patriots have not disclosed why he is unavailable.
His place on the depth chart had already become uncertain before he stepped away.
The 2024 third-round pick made two starts as a rookie but appeared in only four games last season. Most of his 2025 work came on field-goal and extra-point units.
Since Wallace’s absence left the Patriots with one fewer experienced option during a five-day practice stretch, it makes sense why the team has examined two guards in four days.
Penning has yet to appear in a regular-season game.
Van Roten has started 51 straight.
Moving from one profile to the other suggests the Patriots are considering both a camp body and a player who could dress on Sundays.
The visit may end without a contract.
Regardless, Van Roten’s durability and position flexibility still make him a logical fit if New England decides to ink a deal.
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