Jets Get Shaky $13 Million Contract Projection on Injury-Prone Guard

Alijah Vera-Tucker's free agency outlook is uncertain due to his injury history.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The New York Jets have received mixed contract projections for offensive guard Alijah Vera-Tucker, who is set to hit free agency this offseason. One agent speculated Vera-Tucker could earn $13 million per year on a multi-year deal, while another predicted he may have to settle for a one-year "prove-it" contract due to his injury history.

Why it matters

Vera-Tucker's future with the Jets is uncertain as he has missed significant time over the past few seasons due to injuries, including a torn triceps that cost him the entire 2025 season. His inconsistent availability could make teams hesitant to offer him a lucrative long-term contract.

The details

Vera-Tucker, a former first-round pick out of USC, has struggled with injuries since joining the Jets. He missed most of the 2022 and 2023 seasons and all of 2025 due to various ailments. This inconsistency has led to differing opinions on his market value, with one agent speculating he could earn $13 million per year on a multi-year deal, while another believes he may have to settle for a one-year "prove-it" contract to dispel the "injury-prone" label.

  • Vera-Tucker tore his left triceps before the 2025 season, ending his year before it began.
  • Vera-Tucker has missed significant time over the past few seasons due to injuries.

The players

Alijah Vera-Tucker

A 27-year-old offensive guard who is set to hit free agency after missing most of the 2022 and 2023 seasons, as well as all of 2025, due to various injuries.

Justin Fields

The Jets' quarterback who did not work out as expected.

Aaron Glenn

The Jets' defensive coordinator who is on the hot seat and needs the 2026 season to go better in order to keep his job.

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What they’re saying

“One agent who doesn't represent Vera-Tucker speculated that he could earn $13 million per year on a multiyear contract; another predicted a one-year prove-it deal.”

— Rich Cimini, ESPN reporter (ESPN)

What’s next

The Jets will need to carefully evaluate Vera-Tucker's injury history and determine if they are willing to offer him a lucrative long-term deal or if a one-year "prove-it" contract may be more prudent.

The takeaway

Vera-Tucker's injury issues have created uncertainty around his market value, with the Jets receiving conflicting projections on the type of contract he may command in free agency. This highlights the risk teams must weigh when considering signing players with extensive injury histories.