Latest news with #AlijahVera-Tucker
USA Today
15 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Elijah Paige hopes to take on leadership role for USC's offensive line in 2025
For seemingly quite some time now, USC football has gone into each season with one or more established veteran leaders on the offensive line. From Alijah Vera-Tucker, to Andrew Vorhees, to Brett Neilon, to Justin Dedich, to Jonah Monheim, the Trojans have seemingly always had a guy who has been around for four or more years and gone through the ups and downs with the program. This season, USC's o-line does not have that established veteran presence, meaning that the Trojans will be forced to turn to a new generation of leaders. One player who has been looking to step into a leadership role in 2025 is redshirt sophomore offensive tackle Elijah Paige. Representing USC at Big Ten media days in Las Vegas last week, Paige spoke about trying to take on a leadership role on the Trojans' offensive line in 2025. "Teaching [the young guys] everything that I know, the moments that I had that were the 'low points of the season,'" Paige said, via 247Sports. "Teaching them and guiding them so that they don't have to go through the same things that I went through. Telling them everything that I know, playing in different environments, playing against different players, how to go against different pass rushers, just giving them everything that I have, and obviously they know a ton too. They learn the same things that I learned. So yeah, we're just kind of a team. "We've gone through it. We know what it feels like. Obviously, you never want to lose a game, but we've learned a ton from it. Our team's learned a ton. We've learned personally a ton about ourselves, and we're just excited to go out there this fall and play." As a redshirt freshman starting at left tackle last season, Paige was named All-Big Ten honorable mention. Now entering his second season as a starter for the Trojans, Paige will look to develop into one of the top offensive linemen in the conference.
New York Post
5 days ago
- Sport
- New York Post
Alijah Vera-Tucker wants the Jets responsibility — and the future that comes with it
Alijah Vera-Tucker watched last week as Garrett Wilson and Sauce Gardner landed a combined $250.4 million worth of extension money to become cornerstones of this next Jets era. And Thursday, head coach Aaron Glenn called Vera-Tucker — whose 2025 campaign, as of now, will double as a contract year, with the right guard on his fifth-year option — 'absolutely' a foundational piece and expressed a hope for contract talks to begin at some point. Advertisement Vera-Tucker has tried to let his agent handle the future and focus on maximizing a training camp where he's finally healthy, but he also agreed with the belief Wilson and Gardner echoed that the Jets can reverse their disappointing trajectory from past seasons. 'It'd be great to stay with the team that drafted me,' Vera-Tucker said. 'I feel like everybody feels that way. … I can see this thing turning around, for sure, especially with Glenn, the type of coach he is. He praises physicality, but even more, like, accountability. I think that's very important for a head coach to do. That's something I haven't seen as much of in my career.' Still, there are variables that need to align in order for Vera-Tucker's long-term deal to materialize. Season-ending injuries — a torn triceps and Achilles — derailed the former first-round pick's 2022 and 2023 seasons, respectively. 3 Jets guard Alijah Vera-Tucker speaks to the media after practice at training camp in Florham Park, NJ on July 24. Bill Kostroun/New York Post Advertisement He dropped the classic training camp line of 'best I've ever felt coming off of an offseason,' but in Vera-Tucker's scenario, it might actually be a legitimate claim. He finished 2024 as one of six guards with run- and pass-blocking grades higher than 74.0, according to Pro Football Focus, and logged all 916 of his snaps at right guard after needing to switch positions in previous seasons. 3 Jets guard Alijah Vera-Tucker (75) blocks during practice at training camp on July 24. Bill Kostroun/New York Post Advertisement This year, though, the Jets' roles on the line are more solidified. They invested two more first-round selections to land both of their tackles in Olu Fashanu (2024) and Armand Membou (2025), and the trio will be tasked with helping protect Justin Fields — who exited Thursday's practice with a right toe injury — or Tyrod Taylor, who will take the first-team reps until Fields returns. 'We want the responsibility on our shoulders,' Vera-Tucker said. 'We want to run the ball. We want to be dominant in the trenches, like any other offensive line. But I think when you put together an O-line like this, you gotta take advantage of that opportunity. You don't see many teams invest in the O-line like we have.' 3 Alijah Vera-Tucker (75) and offensive tackle Armand Membou (70) practice at training camp. Bill Kostroun/New York Post Advertisement Get the insider's view on Gang Green Sign up for Inside the Jets by Brian Costello, a weekly Sports+ exclusive. Thank you Enter your email address Please provide a valid email address. By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! Check out more newsletters Throughout most of Vera-Tucker's career, the Jets' line has been in shambles, but for once, the group — with Vera-Tucker as the anchor — has a chance to be a strength. And if Glenn and Vera-Tucker get their wish, he'll become the next piece of Gang Green's long-term future. 'He's one of those guards that can do a lot as far as run off the ball for us, pass protect,' Glenn said. 'He's a big, strong man that has been critical for how we want to play offensive football.'
USA Today
17-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Jets guard named most underpaid player in the NFL at his position
The New York Jets exercised Alijah Vera-Tucker's fifth-year option last offseason. The No. 14 overall selection in the 2021 NFL draft has been a mainstay in the lineup throughout his rookie contract. Vera-Tucker was outstanding for the Jets last season, posting an overall Pro Football Focus grade of 77.7 while playing 916 snaps at right guard. The Bleacher Report recently wrote an article outlining the most underpaid players in the league at every position. With Vera-Tucker still technically on his rookie contract, B/R selected him as the most underpaid guard in the NFL heading into the new season. "Alijah Vera-Tucker lined up all over the offensive line during his time playing college ball at USC and has continued to display that versatility during his time in the pros," Alex Kay wrote. "The 26-year-old has adeptly answered the call regardless of where the New York Jets have slotted him, assigning him to both guard spots and right tackle at various points over his first four years in the league." Kay is correct. Vera-Tucker has played multiple positions throughout his five-year career with the Jets. He's slotted in especially nicely at right guard. "Because he has proved capable of holding his own just about anywhere in the offensive trenches, Vera-Tucker is one of the biggest values in football," Kay continued. "Vera-Tucker is due for a pay bump, but his salary could still remain a significant value going forward. Spotrac only expects the stud O-lineman to earn just $11 million per season on his next deal—a fantastic bargain if he can stay healthy after missing 25 games thus far." Five guards are currently earning $20 million (or more) per campaign. Vera-Tucker may not reach those heights, but the steady performer is due for a sizable pay-raise next offseason. The Jets should attempt to retain Vera-Tucker, but for now, they'll appreciate the team-friendly deal they're getting on his deal.
USA Today
21-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Jets' 5 biggest salary cap hits in 2025
The New York Jets currently possess roughly $36.7 million in cap space, according to OverTheCap. That's fourth-most in the entire league. General manager Darren Mougey is slated to enter training camp with an abundance of financial flexibility. With that in mind, we've analyzed the five biggest scheduled cap hits on the 2025 Jets. Quinnen Williams, DT Unsurprisingly, Quinnen Williams holds the Jets' largest cap charge by far at $21.5 million. Williams is on a four-year, $96 million extension that runs through the 2027 campaign. New Jets head coach Aaron Glenn is expecting him to be dominant throughout 2025. Alijah Vera-Tucker, IOL Right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker arguably enjoyed his most effective season in 2024. That's good timing, because the fifth-year option is slated to pay the 2021 first-round pick a fully-guaranteed $15.3 million. Vera-Tucker will hope to sign a lucrative extension in East Rutherford. Sauce Gardner, CB Despite still being on his rookie contract, cornerback Sauce Gardner has the Jets' third-largest cap hit at $10.6 million. The Jets have already triggered his fifth-year option next year at $20.1 million. Gardner is eligible to sign an extension and could get a record-breaking deal this offseason. Quincy Williams, LB Veteran linebacker Quincy Williams is on a modest three-year, $18 million extension signed in 2023. Williams' cap charge is a modest $8 million, fourth-biggest on the team. This is a contract year for the former Murray State standout. Justin Fields, QB The Jets signed Justin Fields to a two-year, $40 million contract in free agency to be the team's bridge starting quarterback. Fields' cap charge is $8 million this campaign, and is set to significantly increase to $23 million next offseason. Mougey structured the contract with void years through 2031 to minimize the financial impact.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Is Alijah Vera-Tucker a Fit for Giants?
Is Alijah Vera-Tucker a Fit for Giants? originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The New York Giants didn't make the biggest splash of the offseason, but that doesn't mean they weren't bold. General manager Joe Schoen gambled when he returned 10 starters on the conference's worst offense. Switching out Daniel Jones for quarterback Russell Wilson is a massive upgrade, and first-round passer Jaxson Dart might be even better in due time. But the two will be throwing to an average receiving corps with a fringe-average running game and an offensive line that collapsed in 2024. Advertisement Left tackle Andrew Thomas is back and healthy, which is the biggest piece of the offensive line returning to form. For the first six weeks of last season, it was a promising unit. Still, banking on left guard Jon Runyan, center John Michael Schmitz, and right guard Greg Van Roten to improve is a risky proposition. Subsequently, the Giants were listed as a trade candidate for high-profile New York Jets offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker by Pro Football and Sports Network. 'The Jets have a roster full of talented players nearing the end of their contracts,' Brandon Austin wrote. 'New general manager Darren Mougey must make tough decisions about which young standouts to extend and which to let go. And among those with trade potential, Vera-Tucker stands out as a viable candidate. 'After two injury-shortened seasons, Vera-Tucker finally stayed healthy in 2024 and performed well, allowing a 1.74% pressure rate. Still, he logged fewer than 450 snaps in each of the two previous years, so reliability could be a concern. Advertisement 'The Jets also can't pay everyone, so they'll need to decide how valuable Vera-Tucker is because he could command decent trade value.' New York's cap situation is fairly healthy, and while it does have a host of young stars entering the extension phase of their rookie contracts, a strong piece in the trenches may be more likely to get paid than, say, running back Breece Hall. With how much the Jets have invested up front, keeping Vera-Tucker around makes sense, making any trade unlikely. However, if the Giants were to trade for him, he would have a significant impact on the current offensive line. His ability to play either guard or tackle spot makes him valuable, as he could move around in the event that Thomas or Jermaine Eluemunor goes down, insulating the unit from poor second-string play. Further, he'd likely push Van Roten to center, demoting Schmitz and thus patching up a liability up front. Advertisement New York isn't in position to trade for a one-year rental, and the Jets probably aren't entertaining calls. But if Schoen has a late-offseason trick up his sleeve, the Giants stand to upgrade. Related: Schoen's Offseason Strategy Underlines Giants' Offense Related: Continuity Key to Giants' Potential Climb in NFC East OL Rankings This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
