Jets eyeing Chargers guard as potential Alijah Vera-Tucker replacement

The New York Jets are likely preparing for the possibility that they're going to have to find a new left guard this offseason.

On the bright side, it's their only vacant spot on the offensive line. Four of their five starters are set, thanks to Olu Fashanu, Armand Membou, Josh Myers, and Joe Tippmann. But who will fill that final spot in between Fashanu and Myers?

With John Simpson and Alijah Vera-Tucker set to test the free agent waters, the Jets may not be able to retain either of their former starters and will be forced to find a replacement.

According to some Jets insiders, there's a lineman on the pro market who has already caught the eye of New York's braintrust, and may be their Plan B if they get outbid for Vera-Tucker.

Jets eyeing Chargers' Zion Johnson as possible solution at left guard

On SNY's Jets Final Drive, Jets insiders Connor Hughes and Zack Rosenblatt were discussing names they've heard in the rumor mill leading into free agency, and mentioned Los Angeles Chargers guard Zion Johnson as a potential replacement at left guard.

Rosenblatt noted that Johnson is a "flawed" player, but given the current climate in the guard market, could land a contract worth up to $20 million in average annual value.

That would be a markedly high contract for the former first-round pick, as Spotrac only projects Johnson to ink a three-year, $33.8 million deal.

Despite his shortcomings, the Boston College product is certainly a more than capable NFL starter. Over his four-year career, Johnson has only missed two games. According to Pro Football Focus, he only gave up three sacks and committed four penalties in 2025, ranked 48th and 45th, respectively, among guards.

If the Jets do end up losing either of their in-house free agents, Johnson would certainly be a good solution to finish off their offensive line. The problem is his market.

Are Darren Mougey and Aaron Glenn going to be willing to spend that much when there's already so many resources invested into the offensive line? Not to mention, Tippmann is due for an extension soon.

We'll see what happens with both Simpson and Vera-Tucker before the Jets dip into the rest of the free agent guard market.