Alijah Vera-Tucker will, indeed, play guard for the New York Jets in 2025.
Speaking to reporters at the NFL Owners Meetings in Palm Beach, Florida, Jets general manager Darren Mougey revealed the team’s plan for Vera-Tucker’s position in 2025.
“He [AVT] is a guard, but we know his flexibility in the past and what he has been able to do for us,” said Mougey, per the Jets’ official YouTube channel.
Vera-Tucker, 25, was selected by the New York Jets in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft. The USC product has spent four seasons with the Jets, starting all 43 of his games.
Throughout his NFL career, he has showcased his versatility across the line by logging snaps at right tackle, right guard, left guard, and left tackle.
During the 2024 season, Vera-Tucker played in 15 games for the Jets (missing just two games due to an ankle injury suffered during Week 7).
The 25-year-old played all 916 of his offensive snaps at right guard during the 2024 season, allowing four sacks and 16 total pressures while committing five penalties. He posted a 77.7 overall grade, ranking 15th among guards, according to Pro Football Focus.
Staying healthy has been Vera-Tucker’s biggest challenge. Injuries have plagued his career, including two season-ending setbacks.
In Week 7 of the 2022 season, he suffered a torn triceps, which sidelined him for the year. In Week 5 of the following season, he tore his Achilles, once again ending his season early.
While the Jets plan to play Vera-Tucker at guard, his versatility remains valuable. However, for the former first-round pick to make the most significant impact, he must stay on the field.
