The New England Patriots had several positions that needed bolstering this offseason. One was an offensive tackle, and they added a top one in first-round draft pick Caleb Lomu.
Another was at guard, and to address that need, they spent big on former New York Jets lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker. Mark Daniels of MassLive has noted that guard Vera-Tucker is back healthy and ready to contribute to the 2026 Patriots, but his injury history has been his biggest obstacle.
Vera-Tucker has had major issues that have sidelined him in three of his first five seasons, including two torn triceps. The talented guard feels confident that he'll be ready to go, and Daniels quoted him saying:
“I’m definitely on track. Feeling great. Shout out to the training staff here, man. Doing a great job with me. We’re working together. Communication is key in that you’re recovering from the injury, so everything’s going well, man, and we’re on track.”
The talent has never been in question, but with Jared Wilson moving to center, the Patriots have hitched their wagon to a major question mark in whether Vera-Tucker will be able to stay on the field. Outside of Ben Brown, their guard depth is shaky at best as they neither signed nor drafted another notable interior lineman in the offseason. Those omissions may prove costly.
Alijah Vera-Tucker’s injury history still looms over the Patriots’ plans
Head coach Mike Vrabel and his personnel team had an opportunity to add a guard in the third round of the draft, but they opted for tight end Eli Raridon instead. He may turn out to be a fine pick, but if Vera-Tucker gets injured again, the Patriots will regret not shoring up guard first and drafting a tight end later.
Priority No. 1 is always protecting franchise quarterback Drake Maye. The Patriots made some moves this offseason, but not enough to repair a porous offensive line that gave up sacks by the barrelful.
Daniels cited the injury issues that have hampered Vera-Tucker during his career and gave pause to some observers about his signing.
"Vera-Tucker started games at left guard, right guard and right tackle for the Jets, but suffered torn triceps on both arms and ruptured his Achilles tendon along the way. The talented offensive lineman played in 43 of a possible 85 games over the last five seasons. Despite all that, the Patriots viewed him as a difference maker on the offensive line, signing him to a three-year, $42 million contract this offseason."
The Patriots paid big bucks — and took a big risk — by signing Vera-Tucker. We'll see if their gamble pays off on a still just 26-year-old player who the Jets selected No. 14 overall in the 2021 draft.
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