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Former New York Jets guard Alijah Vera-Tucker made some comments that indicate he did not want to return in 2026.
The New York Jets lost offensive guard Alijah Vera-Tucker to their AFC East rival New England Patriots in NFL free agency. The Jets were never expected to re-sign Vera-Tucker this offseason. He inked a three-year contract worth $42 million with the Patriots .
A 2021 first-round pick, Vera-Tucker had a complicated career with the Jets. He was a high-level starter when on the field, but was pretty consistently derailed by injury. Vera-Tucker suffered a season-ending triceps injury as a sophomore in Week 7, had an Achilles injury in 2023, and didn't play at all this past season due to another triceps injury.
"A fresh start is what I think I needed," Vera-Tucker told ESPN. "When you have three accidents [injuries], it sucks. But I really enjoyed my time [with the Jets] the past five years.
Nothing but respect for everybody in that building, and the fans. I do hope they win a lot of games, just not against us. " The Jets signed Dylan Parham to replace Vera-Tucker as a starting guard in the projected lineup.