Latest news with #Vera-Tucker
USA Today
13 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
New York Jets sound like they want to re-sign Alijah Vera-Tucker
New York Jets general manager Darren Mougey re-signed both Sauce Gardner and Garrett Wilson this offseason. With those musts checked off the to-do list, Mougey can turn his attention to other contracts, if he chooses. The Jets have a bunch of intriguing playmakers on expiring contracts, including running back Breece Hall and interior offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker. Vera-Tucker is currently entering the fifth-year option on his rookie deal. It was exercised by the previous regime, and will pay Vera-Tucker, the No. 14 overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft, a fully guaranteed $15.3 million this season. The Jets are attentive to his expiring contract. 'Hopefully at some point we can get something done," head coach Aaron Glenn recently said about Vera-Tucker, calling him a "great player." Vera-Tucker was outstanding for the Jets last season. The former USC standout earned an overall offensive grade of 77.7 from Pro Football Focus for his performance in 2024. Vera-Tucker was assigned blame for allowing just four sacks and 16 pressures last year. Trey Smith is the highest-paid guard in the NFL, earning $23.5 million per season. Five total guards earn $20-plus million annually. Vera-Tucker could be in a position to demand a similar salary. The Jets are leaning on their offensive line this season, and Vera-Tucker is well-positioned to sign a lucrative extension.
New York Post
6 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
15-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Did Jets' Alijah Vera-Tucker, John Simpson earn praise from NFL execs, coaches via ESPN?
The offensive line should be a strength of the New York Jets' offense in 2025. Consecutive first-round picks at offensive tackle, Olu Fashanu and Armand Membou, will play the bookend spots. Inside, center Joe Tippmann is developing admirably. Veteran guards Alijah Vera-Tucker and John Simpson were terrific in 2024. ESPN is currently dropping their position rankings daily. More than 70 NFL executives, coaches, and scouts were polled to put together composite rankings. The interior offensive line version recently dropped. None of the Jets' three starters made the top 10, but both Vera-Tucker and Simpson received votes. Vera-Tucker played 916 snaps at right guard last season. The former USC standout was outstanding, having only allowed four sacks and 16 QB pressures all year long en route to a 76.3 pass-blocking grade, according to Pro Football Focus. Vera-Tucker was also a difference maker as a run blocker, scoring a 76.3 in that department. Simpson played even more snaps (951) than Vera-Tucker did. Simpson allowed just three sacks and 20 pressures, helping ensure Aaron Rodgers had a steady pocket to operate from. He also scored a 72.3 as a run blocker. The Jets are fortunate to have Vera-Tucker and Simpson at guard. New offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand is inheriting a solid interior duo. He'll attempt to build a run-first offense with the dual-threat Justin Fields at quarterback and a solid offensive line.
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.
