The details of the New York Jets-Greg Van Roten contract have been revealed, signaling incredible value snagged by Joe Douglas.
It was evident from the start; Joe Douglas plays the free-agent game for value, not for attention. Obviously, it’s the correct way to run the personnel game in today’s NFL. Only the draft builds the core of a depth chart.
Just how well is Douglas doing by way of the value game? This is the question. On Friday, we picked up a bit more information on that very topic.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Greg Van Roten deal is for three years and $10.5 million, with $3.25 million guaranteed. With incentives, Van Roten can earn a total of $14.25 million over the life of the contract.
The #Jets’ deal for G Greg Van Roten represents great value late in free agency: He got a 3-year, $10.5M deal with $3.25M guaranteed. It’s worth up to $14.25M with incentives.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 27, 2020
Van Roten, 30, is a hometown boy who couldn’t contain his excitement about “coming home.” Born in Rockville Centre, NY and attending Chaminade High School in Mineola, NY (Nassau County), Van Roten needed to prove himself in the CFL for four years prior to earning a starting spot with the Carolina Panthers two seasons ago.
The University of Pennsylvania product joins an offensive line with a bunch of new faces. Penciled in as the starting right guard, he’s projected to line up left of Chuma Edoga and right of center Connor McGovern. Left tackle George Fant is also a new face while left guard Alex Lewis is entering his second season with the team (after his re-signing this free-agency period).
The man who still lingers is Brian Winters, whose fate is still unknown. The way Douglas works, it would make sense that Winters stays for depth. (Injuries always happen upfront and competition is a big deal upfront, as well.) At the same time, Douglas loves his value, and saving $7.28 million looks pretty nice.
Whatever the future holds, Greg Van Roten’s contract represents a tremendous value for the New York Jets.
