Jets just lost Alijah Vera-Tucker to the worst team imaginable

By pretty much all accounts, the New York Jets had a very successful first day of free agency. Unfortunately, the day ended on a sour note following news that standout offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker had officially signed with a new team.

But not just any team. Many Jets fans likely would have applauded Alijah Vera-Tucker for cashing in with some random NFC team. Those same fans might have even been able to stomach him signing with the crosstown New York Giants, as rumors suggested over the past few days.

That's not what happened, though. Instead, Vera-Tucker has reportedly agreed to terms on a three-year, $42 million deal with the New England Patriots in a move that will allow him to remain in the AFC East, playing for the Jets' biggest rivals.

The Patriots have built a long and frustrating history of doing exactly this to the Jets, plucking away former Jets players and watching them thrive in Foxborough. It’s a storyline Jets fans know all too well. Now, the Jets can only hope Vera-Tucker doesn’t become the latest name added to that ever-growing list.

Alijah Vera-Tucker spurns the Jets to sign with rival Patriots in free agency

ESPN's Rich Cimini reported late Monday night that the Jets "never showed a strong interest" in retaining their star offensive lineman, largely due to injury concerns. Vera-Tucker has played more than seven games just twice in his five years in the NFL as a result of a torn Achilles and multiple torn triceps.

Still, that didn’t seem to dissuade NFL teams from pursuing him aggressively in free agency, with the Patriots ultimately landing the talented but injury-prone lineman for a deal that could be worth up to $48 million.

The Jets have now lost both Vera-Tucker and John Simpson — who signed a three-year, $30 million deal to return to the Baltimore Ravens — in free agency, leaving a sizable hole at the left guard position.

The Jets were understandably hesitant to pay Vera-Tucker given his lengthy injury history, but the team’s offensive line plan is starting to look a bit concerning. Darren Mougey and the Jets appear willing to go cheap at left guard and center while relying on the draft to potentially add another piece.

That’s a risky strategy. Teams rarely benefit from boxing themselves into a corner and feeling forced to target a specific position early in the draft, especially when the Jets already appear to be doing the same thing at wide receiver.

Vera-Tucker leaving in free agency already stings for many Jets fans, but the fact that he left to sign with the Patriots only makes the situation even more painful.

If he manages to stay healthy and thrive in New England, it could quickly become another nightmare scenario for a Jets fan base that has seen this story play out before.

Alijah Vera-Tucker spurns the Jets to sign with rival Patriots in free agency

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