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Jan 5, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets tight end Kenny Yeboah (88) celebrates with guard Alijah Vera-Tucker (75) during the second half against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

The Patriots Sign Alijah Vera-Tucker To Bolster Their Offensive Line

Originally posted on Stadium Rant | By John Pina | Last updated Mar 10, 2026 8:28 AM ET

The New England Patriots made their first major offensive move of the offseason by signing left guard Alijah Vera-Tucker to a three-year, $42 million contract. The contract maxes out at $48 million with incentives.

Vera-Tucker is 26 years old, is a former first-round pick of the New York Jets, and gives the Patriots the ability to move rookie Jared Wilson to center.

New England now has Will Campbell at left tackle, Vera-Tucker at left guard, Wilson at center, Morgan Moses at right tackle, and Mike Onwenu at right guard.

The Patriots also have Ben Brown waiting in the wings with left guard and center versatility, and another swing tackle option in 2025 late-round pick Marcus Bryant.

New England can now look to draft depth pieces, especially at right tackle, with Moses being 35 years old. Onwenu can also sign an extension this offseason, which would clear some cap space.

What Concerns Does Vera-Tucker have?

Vera-Tucker missed the entirety of the 2025 season with a torn triceps, marking the third season-ending surgery of his career. He also tore his Achilles tendon in 2023, causing him to miss 12 games, and also tore his triceps in Week 7 of 2022.

This is a player with legit injury concerns as Vera-Tucker has missed 41 career games in five seasons.

What Is There To Like About Vera-Tucker?

Oct 6, 2024; London, United Kingdom; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) throws the ball as guard Alijah Vera-Tucker (75) defends against the Minnesota Vikings in the second half at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Vera-Tucker is a talented guard who is good in the time that he actually spends on the field. In 2024, he was the 10th-highest graded guard according to PFF, while also having the fourth-lowest pressure rate at 2.8%.

HELL OF A SIGNING:

The New England #Patriots just made one of the most underrated signings in free agency bringing in guard Alijah Vera-Tucker on a three-year deal.

AVT is only 26 years old and a former first-round pick. When healthy, he is elite.

VIDEO:pic.twitter.com/tKpZYT4hzD
— MLFootball (@MLFootball) March 10, 2026

Vera-Tucker gives the Patriots the veteran left guard that they need, since both Campbell and Wilson were rookies this past season and could use even more guidance.

Quarterback Drake Maye should be a little excited that New England is addressing the offensive line again, as they did last season with drafting the rookies and also signing a veteran in Moses.

The End Of My New England Patriots And Alijah Vera-Tucker Rant

Sep 15, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; New York Jets guard Alijah Vera-Tucker (75) during pregame warmups against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

All in all, the Patriots take a gamble on Vera-Tucker’s ability and give him at least $14 million annually, with the ability for the contract to get up to $16 million. $14M annually would make Vera-Tucker the 16th-highest guard, and $16M would make him 12th-highest paid guard according to Spotrac.

New England can afford to take this gamble on Vera-Tucker because of his talent, and Ben Brown is such an elite depth option at both left guard and center as well.

This article first appeared on Stadium Rant and was syndicated with permission.

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