Source: Chaminade product Greg Van Roten signs with Jets
The Jets and former Carolina Panthers guard Greg Van Roten agreed to terms on a three-year contract on Saturday. Credit: AP/Rick Scuteri
The Jets have turned to a local product as they continue to strengthen the offensive line. Former Panthers guard Greg Van Roten, who went to Chaminade High School, has agreed to a three-year deal, a league source confirmed.
Van Roten, 30, is from Rockville Centre. “I’m coming home,” he tweeted Saturday night. He began his NFL career as an undrafted free agent with the Packers in 2012 and started 27 games for the Panthers the past two seasons, allowing three sacks in that span.
Jets general manager Joe Douglas has prioritized revamping the offensive line in free agency. Van Roten is the fifth lineman to reach an agreement with the Jets this week and the fourth expected starter. He has the versatility to play center and guard.
His arrival could mean the Jets will move on from Brian Winters. He’s signed for $7.28 million but his contract is not guaranteed and he is coming off a serious shoulder injury. The Jets could waive Winters or bring him back at a lesser price.
The Jets waived starting cornerback Darryl Roberts on Saturday, freeing up $6 million in cap room.
The Jets released Darryl Roberts on Saturday. Credit: Getty Images/Emilee Chinn
This move was expected since Roberts was guaranteed $2 million if he was on the roster on Sunday. But in a manner of days, general manager Joe Douglas released both cornerbacks who started in Week 1 last season. Trumaine Johnson was cut on Wednesday.
In four years (56 games) with the Jets, Roberts had 172 tackles and three interceptions.
Douglas will need to address the cornerback position after these moves. As of now, the corners are on the roster are Arthur Maulet, Bless Austin, Nate Hairston and nickel corner Brian Poole.
The Jets added depth to the secondary as well. Former Rams safety Marqui Christian agreed to a one-year deal, a source confirmed. Christian, 25, will be the third safety behind Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye and will contribute on special teams.
Veteran guard/center Josh Andrews is signing with the Jets, his agent Brett Tessler announced on Twitter. Andrews has been with the Eagles and Colts. Douglas was in the Eagles front office while Anderson was there.
“He’s excited about the opportunity to reunite with GM Joe Douglas in NY,” Tessler tweeted.
Andrews, 28, played a total of 25 games and 98 offensive snaps in four NFL seasons. He’s the fourth offensive lineman Douglas has reached deals with during free agency. Douglas’ first three free-agent agreements were with left tackle George Fant, left guard Alex Lewis and center/guard Connor McGovern.
