Is it a good sign that the New York Jets named starting guard Alijah Vera-Tucker a team captain in the final year of his rookie contract?

While we can only project what a future long-term extension could look like for the former first-round pick out of USC, the Jets clearly love what they have in Vera-Tucker in a contract year.

For the first time in his career, Vera-Tucker has been named an important leader for the Jets. That’s something the 26-year-old isn’t taking lightly.

Jets’ AVT enters contract year

Speaking to reporters Monday afternoon, Vera-Tucker discussed being named captain for the first time in his career and what it means that his teammates chose him to lead them into 2025.

“That was a really cool feeling,” Vera-Tucker said. “I told the guys I really appreciate them for voting me as a captain. Being able to be a captain at all three levels of my playing career…I’m really blessed.”

Last season, Vera-Tucker went through his first relatively healthy season since his rookie campaign, starting 15 of 17 games. Pro Football Focus graded out his work at an elite 77.7, making him the seventh-best right guard in football. It was the first time he had played 15 games or more since his rookie season.

WATCH: Film Breakdown of Alijah Vera-Tucker's 2024 Season

Now, as he enters the fifth and final season of his contract, Vera-Tucker is looking for even better results as he aims to maximize his value once negotiations pick up again.

For the Jets, though, it seems that Aaron Glenn is more than comfortable making it clear how much of a pillar AVT is for the organization.

“He’s a great player, and hopefully at some point we can try to talk and get something done,” Glenn said. “I mean he’s one of those guards that can do a lot as far as run off the ball for us, pass protect.

“He’s a big, strong man that’s been critical for how we want to play offensive football.”

No contract has been signed just yet. The fact that the Jets were comfortable enough giving him the captaincy shows how much they think of him as a person and leader.

As the team prepares for the 2025 season, AVT made it clear that the expectations and feel surrounding the organization are much different than in years past.

“It’s a different feeling” AVT said. “It’s a bit more energy in the building and everyone is just excited for Sunday.”

Time will tell if AVT and the Jets can come to terms on an agreement. With where things stand, the starting guard is at least prepared to take on more of a role off the field with the organization moving forward.