The New England Patriots offensive line took a strong step forward in 2025, but work remained to be done to continue to strengthen the unit. In free agency, that led to the Patriots agreeing to terms on a three-year contract with guard Alijah Vera-Tucker.
A former first-round pick in 2021, Vera-Tucker has battled severe injuries early in his NFL career but has proven to be one of the league’s best guards when healthy. Taking the chance on the upside was a worthwhile risk for New England in order to better
protect Drake Maye.
What else is there to know about Vera-Tucker, though. Let’s take a closer look at the free agency pickup.
Hard facts
Name: Alijah Vera-Tucker
Position: Guard
Jersey number: 75
Opening day age: 27 (6/17/1999)
Measurements: 6′ 4 1/2″, 308 lbs, 32 1/8” arm length, 9 5/8” hand size, 5.102s 40-yard dash, 7.70s three-cone drill, 4.63s short shuttle, 32” vertical jump, 8’10” broad jump, 32 bench press reps, 9.77 Relative Athletic Score
Scouting report
Strengths: Vera-Tucker is a strong athlete at the guard position testing above the 90th percentile in relative athletic score back at the 2021 NFL Combine. That shows in the run game as he can fire out of his stance and reach blocks in outside zone schemes and as a puller. Vera-Tucker’s athletic ability also allows him to keep up with interior lineman in pass protection while he also can win at times with his play strength.
Weaknesses: Availability has been the biggest weakness of Vera-Tucker’s career as he’s suffered three season-ending injuries in his first five years as a pro. When healthy, he has proven to be a high-level guard. For those who wanted a big-body mauler next to Will Campbell, however, Vera-Tucker is a more athletic blocker who has 32 1/8” arms (8th percentile).
Experience
NFL: New York Jets (2021-25), New England Patriots (2026-) | College: USC (2018-20)
An Under Armour All-American in high school, where he played both offensive tackle and defensive end, Vera-Tucker committed to USC as a four-star recruit. Moving to offensive guard at USC, Vera-Tucker served as a reserve his redshirt freshman season appearing in 12 games. He then took over a starting role the following year at left guard, where he went on to earn AP All-Pac-12 First-Team honors.
Named a captain in 2020, Vera-Tucker started all six games in USC’s Covid-condensed season back at left tackle. He again earned All-Pac-12 honors and won the 2020 Morris Trophy as the conference’s top offensive lineman.
Declaring for the 2021nNFL Draft, Vera-Tucker was selected 14th overall by the New York Jets — with the team trading up one spot ahead of the Patriots, who went on to select Mac Jones. The first-rounder started 16 games at left guard his rookie season. Moving to right guard in his second NFL season, injuries up front forced Vera-Tucker to then start one game at left tackle and two at right tackle. He then suffered an injury of his own as a torn right triceps landed him on season-ending injured reserve in Week 7.
Injuries have continued to plague Vera-Tucker as he suffered a torn achilles the following year before missing all of 2025 with a torn left triceps. Sandwiched in between those seasons was a healthy 2024, however, where he turned in an elite season at right guard.
2025 review
Stats: 0 games
Season recap: After his strong 2024 season, Vera-Tucker suited up for minimal starting action in the Jets first two preseason games before being held out of the finale. Just days before the start of the regular season, the 26-year old suffered a torn left triceps during a one-on-one drill in practice. He was placed on injured reserve and missed the entire season.
Patriots preview
What will be his role? The offseason trade of starting center Garrett Bradbury will allow New England to move Jared Wilson back to his natural center position. That will open a hole at left guard, where the current plan is for Vera-Tucker to start. If healthy, he should make life easier for both Wilson and left tackle Will Campbell.
What is his growth potential? A former first-round pick, Vera-Tucker has the potential to be one of the top guards in football. In his healthy 2024 campaign, his 2.8% pressure rate allowed was the fourth-lowest among guards. Patriots Executive Vice President of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf noted: “[He’s] still young and still has upside and is a really good player in his position. I would say Vera-Tucker, in 2024, was one of the best guards in the NFL.”
Does he have positional versatility? As seen by both his time at USC and with the Jets, Vera-Tucker has the ability to play both guard spots and tackle in a pinch. He is best suited at guard, however.
What is his injury history? Extensive. Throughout his five-year NFL career Vera-Tucker has played in just 43 of a possible 85 games. The missed time has largely stemmed from three separate season-ending injuries: a torn triceps to each arm and a torn achilles. Even in his strong 2024 season, he missed two games due to an ankle injury. Vera-Tucker feels good after his most recent season-ending injury and expects to be ready to go by OTAs next month. New England felt like the upside is worth the risk.
What does it mean for New England’s salary cap? The three year, $42 million contract was one of the Patriots biggest financial commitments of free agency, and carries a cap hit of just under $4.8 million in year one (1.4% of the total cap). New England has protected themselves with Vera-Tucker’s injury history, however, as just $21 million is guaranteed and each season features up to a whopping $4.25 million in per game bonuses.
What does it mean for New England’s draft outlook? While New England has a strong contingency plan behind Vera-Tucker in Ben Brown, it should not take them out of the guard market moving forward — especially as the 29-year old Mike Onwenu enters the final year of his contract with no guaranteed money remaining. What their plans are with Onwenu, however, could decide on what day they ultimately address the position in the draft.
How safe is his roster spot? The three-year commitment and starting spot along the offensive line opened for Vera-Tucker will lock his status onto the Patriots’ 53-man roster.
Grade: A-
