Why NFL Writer Named Patriots' Signing Of Alijah Vera-Tucker 'Least Favorite Move'
An NFL writer didn't think much of the New England Patriots signing former New York Jets guard Alijah Vera-Tucker this offseason.
Why NFL Writer Named Patriots' Signing Of Alijah Vera-Tucker 'Least Favorite Move' originally appeared on NESN . Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The New England Patriots made waves during free agency by signing New York Jets guard Alijah Vera-Tucker.
New England signed Vera-Tucker to a three-year, $42 million deal, with $21 million guaranteed. While many people around the NFL believe that bringing in Vera-Tucker was a smart move, one writer took a different stance. Zoltán Buday from Pro Football Focus shared his favorite and least favorite moves from all 32 teams this offseason, highlighting Vera-Tucker as his least favorite move by the Patriots.
"When he is on the field, Vera-Tucker is among the better guards in the NFL," Buday wrote on Tuesday. "However, what makes this move, and this size of a contract, very risky is that he hasn't been on the field recently. The USC product missed the entire 2025 season and has played just 1,348 snaps over the past four seasons, which ranks only 73rd among guards over that span.
" Vera-Tucker's injury concerns are likely to raise questions, especially since he has played in only 43 games over the past four seasons. Yet, if he can stay healthy, he has the potential to be one of the best guards in the NFL, making him a valuable find for New England. If Vera-Tucker can't stay healthy this season, it could pose a significant problem for the Patriots, who are aiming to improve their offensive line play.