Jets Signing Van Roten, Release Roberts

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Jets general manager Joe Douglas was a busy man Saturday, adding three free agents, highlighted by former Carolina Panthers guard Greg Van Roten, and releasing cornerback Darryl Roberts.

Van Roten, 30, spent the past three seasons with Carolina, the last two as a starter. The 6-foot-3 305-pounder's season was cut short after 11 games in 2019 due to a foot injury.

ESPN's Adam Schefter was the first to report on the Van Roten signing, which was confirmed by WFAN's Brian Costello, who reports it's a three-year deal.

Greg Van RotenBob Donnan/USA TODAY Images

The addition of Van Roten, a Long Island native, is the latest move in Douglas' overhaul of the offensive line this offseason. The Jets have also agreed to terms with former Seahawks tackle George Fant and ex-Broncos center Connor McGovern and re-signed guard Alex Lewis. Also on Saturday, Douglas added ex-Eagles and Colts guard/center Josh Andrews, his agent, Brett Tessler, announced on Twitter. Terms of that deal have not been disclosed.

The 6-foot-2, 298-pound Andrews has played in 25 games, all in a reserve role, over four years with Philadelphia and Indianapolis. He was on the Eagles’ practice squad when they won the Super Bowl in the 2017 season. Douglas is familiar with Andrews from when Douglas served as vice president of player personnel with Philadelphia.

The Van Roten signing raises questions about longtime starting guard Brian Winters' future with the team. Winters has a $7.28 million cap figure for 2020.

Roberts, 29, spent the past four seasons with the Jets and started 20 games over the last two years. In 2019, he played in 13 games, made 10 starts and had one interception and 63 tackles.

By cutting Roberts, the Jets created $6 million in salary-cap savings. The Jets have not released both of their Week 1 starting cornerbacks from 2019, also parting ways with Trumaine Johnson earlier this week.

Also on Saturday, Gang Green agreed to terms with former Rams safety Marqui Christian, Costello reported. 

Christian’s one-year deal is for $1.25 million with a chance to become $2 million. In Los Angeles, he was a rotational player and special teams stalwart. The 25-year-old played in 16 games last season, making one start and registering 36 tackles.