“I spoke to them, and they felt like they wanted to get bigger,” agent Bill Baldini is quoted as saying. “They didn’t think he’d be in their plans for the immediate future, so they decided it would be better for him if they let him go now. It’s a shame because he loves the Packers organization and loves the town.”
Van Roten had decent height at 6-3, but is a little on the light side at 303 lbs. The Packers became more of run-oriented offense this past season with the addition of Eddie Lacy, so it could be a case where they’re looking to continue to move in that direction.
It’s doubtful Van Roten’s release has anything to do with Dietrich-Smith’s future in Green Bay one way or the other, although it remains to be seen how much the incumbent starter will make on the open market, or for that matter, how the Packers would replace him if he leaves.