Throughout the day of the official start of the legal tampering period, the Patriots didn't make many moves, signing just two players until late Monday night. They then made a big splash by stealing Jets' versatile guard Alijah Vera-Tucker from the Giants, and finally found their next starting left guard after moving Jared Wilson to center.
The former first-round pick has received mixed reactions from analysts and fans alike, with a consensus that it was a good signing, as he has high upside despite his injury history. When he's on the field, he's a versatile option that can start at multiple areas on the offensive line, and that's exactly what the Patriots have needed and were looking for.
But one NFL analyst is already proclaiming doom is on the way, which is quite a prediction considering we have yet to even see Vera-Tucker in a Patriots uniform.
The Patriots' decision to sign Alijah Vera-Tucker is already being graded harshly by NFL analysts
Among the biggest non-fans of the move is The Athletic's Daniel Popper, who graded the signing a D with severe concerns about Vera-Tucker's injury history.
While that's entirely fair and the Patriots are more than likely well aware of the risk that comes with signing him, it feels a bit harsh and presumptuous to already assign the move a nearly failing grade before we even see how he performs in New England.
“Vera-Tucker is a very good player when he is on the field. The problem is he cannot stay on the field,” wrote Popper, who subsequently listed several injuries Vera-Tucker has sustained over the year (including multiple torn triceps as well as a torn Achilles).
He has been in the NFL for five seasons. He has suffered season-ending injuries in three of them.
Sandwiched in between those three [injury] seasons was a standout 2024 at right guard. Still, this deal is a massive risk for the Patriots. If it works out, New England could get solid surplus value on this contract. If it does not, it could be a disaster.”
Worries about his availability are valid and because of his injury history, the Patriots could be in for a rude awakening if things go South quickly. However, there's a reason he was a first-round pick by the Jets in 2021 and why multiple teams were pursuing him in free agency.
There's also must be legitimate reason Mike Vrabel and Co. were interested with the other guards who are still unsigned, and hopefully, their interest and instincts will be proven correct, while also proving Poppers wrong.
They certainly can't afford another botched signing on the offensive line.