Latest Alijah Vera-Tucker contract projection feels laughably low for the Jets

Outside of the quarterback position, one of the biggest questions facing the New York Jets is their final starting offensive lineman.

As it stands now, they have four of five starters set. Olu Fashanu, Josh Myers, Joe Tippmann, and Armand Membou will be there in 2026; all are under contract for at least the next two years except for Tippmann. He's entering the final year of his rookie deal.

But at left guard, the answer remains unclear. Alijah Vera-Tucker and John Simpson, both set to test the unrestricted free-agent market, are options for New York in 2026, and each have their own pros and cons.

Although after the latest contract projections from The Athletic's Dan Duggan, the Jets may want to forget about Simpson and get Vera-Tucker signed now.

Jets free agent Alijah Vera-Tucker gets unexpectedly low contract projection

Duggan listed the top-150 free agents leading into free agency and gave contract projections to each player. Vera-Tucker was listed at No. 83, and Duggan projected a one-year, $3 million contract awaiting him in March.

The number seems shockingly low for a player with as much talent as AVT, but considering his injury history, it makes sense why teams would be hesitant to give him a long-term deal, opting for a one-year prove-it deal instead.

"The tape is really good when he is on the field. Vera-Tucker is super athletic and has excellent hands in pass protections. But can teams trust him to stay healthy? Vera-Tucker is worth a flier, but a contingency plan is needed."

Dan Duggan

Despite his injury concerns, the Jets should be all over Vera-Tucker if this is what his market expects to be come March. As Duggan points out, there should be a contingency plan, but a $3 million salary for a player with Pro Bowl upside is too good to pass up.

Since the Jets made Vera-Tucker the 14th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, he's missed 42 of 85 possible games, but in the 43 he has played, he's arguably one of the best offensive linemen the Jets have had in recent memory. He's played every position on the offensive line, except center, and displays incredible versatility.

The only snag is his three-season-ending injuries in five years in the NFL, and the Jets would be wise to bring in a veteran as a backup just in case his bad luck continues. But at that price, his services would be too good to pass up.