The ability has always been clear with offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker. Availability, however, has been harder to come by.
Since entering into the league in 2021, Vera-Tucker has suited up for just 43 of a possible 85 games. The missed time has largely stemmed from three separate season-ending injuries: two torn triceps to each arm and a torn achilles.
“It’s definitely a hard process to go through,” Vera-Tucker said Thursday at his first press conference at Gillette Stadium. “I feel like any athlete
who’s been through injuries understands that, and it used to upset me because I’m playing at such a high level for my team. Not being able to play, be on the field with my team, that’s just something I’ve had to learn to deal with.
“But I think going into the future, I’m feeling really confident in myself and really confident in this team and this training staff to get me through multiple seasons here, and I’m excited about it.”
The Patriots are aware of the risk in signing Vera-Tucker to a three-year contract. They also know the upside of plugging him into their starting offensive line between Will Campbell and Jared Wilson.
When healthy, the 26-year-old has proven to be an elite offensive guard. His 2.8% pressure rate allowed in his healthy 2024 season was the fourth-lowest among guards.
“We just looked at the film, and the youth, and the type of injuries it was all factors that we talk about,” Executive Vice President of player personal Eliot Wolf said Thursday. “Ultimately, we felt like taking a swing at a player that was 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.”
After missing the entire 2025 season with a torn left triceps, Vera-Tucker has explored new ways to take care of his body moving forward. Currently close to 100% with some restrictions in training, he expects to be ready to go when he reports to the Patriots voluntary offseason program on April 20.
That would clear the way for him to be a full participant throughout the entire offseason.
“I’m feeling really good,” he said.
