Jets Urged to Re-Sign Former First-Round OL Who Missed 2025 Season

Alijah Vera-Tucker could be a valuable addition to the Jets' offensive line in 2026 after missing the previous season due to injury.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The New York Jets have been urged by CBS Sports' Zachary Pereles to re-sign former first-round offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker this offseason. Vera-Tucker missed the entire 2025 season due to a torn triceps, but at just 26 years old, he could still be a valuable asset to the Jets' offensive line in 2026 as the team looks to continue improving.

Why it matters

Retaining good offensive linemen is crucial for the Jets as they look to solidify their roster and build around young talent. Vera-Tucker was a first-round pick in 2021 and has shown steady improvement, making him an important piece worth keeping despite his injury-plagued 2025 season.

The details

Vera-Tucker, a former first-round pick of the Jets in 2021, missed the entire 2025 season after suffering a torn triceps right before the season opener. Despite the injury, Pereles argues the Jets should look to re-sign Vera-Tucker this offseason, likely on a one-year "prove-it" deal that would give the 26-year-old a chance to show he's still a quality starter in the NFL.

  • Vera-Tucker suffered a torn triceps injury right before the start of the 2025 NFL season.

The players

Alijah Vera-Tucker

A former first-round offensive lineman for the New York Jets who missed the entire 2025 season due to a torn triceps injury.

Zachary Pereles

A writer for CBS Sports who has urged the Jets to re-sign Vera-Tucker this offseason.

Aaron Glenn

The defensive coordinator for the New York Jets.

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What they’re saying

“Still just 26, Vera-Tucker should figure into Aaron Glenn's plans in 2026 as the Jets continue to dig themselves out of a big hole.”

— Zachary Pereles, CBS Sports Writer (CBS Sports)

What’s next

The Jets will need to decide whether to re-sign Vera-Tucker this offseason, likely on a one-year "prove-it" deal that would give him a chance to show he's still a quality starter in the NFL after missing the 2025 season.

The takeaway

Retaining talented offensive linemen like Vera-Tucker is crucial for the Jets as they look to continue improving their roster. Despite missing the 2025 season, Vera-Tucker's youth and potential make him worth keeping around on a short-term deal as he looks to bounce back and solidify the Jets' offensive line.