Coming off another Super Bowl appearance, the New England Patriots found a way to stick it to their longtime rival once again.
The Patriots have agreed to a three-year deal with former New York Jets guard Alijah Vera-Tucker, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The deal gives rising star quarterback Drake Maye more protection and ammunition up front, both in the run game and the passing attack.
Vera-Tucker was one of the top interior offensive linemen available this offseason. The USC product battled injuries during his time with the Jets, but when healthy, he has the potential to be a Pro Bowler at either guard position.
The former first-round pick missed the entire 2025 season after tearing his triceps in practice before the season-opener. Now healthy, he should slot into the Patriots’ offensive line with ease alongside the team’s top pick last offseason: left tackle Will Campbell.
Vera-Tucker was selected No. 14 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, just one pick before the Patriots took quarterback Mac Jones. Still just 26 years old, there is plenty of time for Vera-Tucker to reach his potential and become a key piece in bringing the Patriots back to the Super Bowl.
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The move comes at a good time, considering the Patriots traded center Garrett Bradbury to the Bears this weekend, meaning Jared Wilson will slide to become the full-time center, allowing Vera-Tucker to take over at left guard.
The Patriots beat out the Giants for Vera-Tucker’s services, potentially because the price became too steep when considering the guard’s injury history, according to NFL reporter Connor Hughes. He has missed 41 total games in four years.
The news is especially stinging for the Jets. Not only did the team hope to keep its former first-rounder, but losing him to a rival looking to reignite a dynasty only makes it worse. The Jets also lost guard John Simpson to the Ravens on a deal agreed upon earlier on Monday.
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