4 options the NY Jets have to replace Alijah Vera-Tucker

The NY Jets are still riding an emotional high following Sunday's 31-21 victory over the Denver Broncos, but reality set in a little on Monday when it was announced that star offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker had suffered a season-ending torn Achilles.

This comes almost a year to the day that Vera-Tucker suffered a different season-ending injury on the road against Denver a year ago. It's a crushing blow for the third-year offensive stalwart and a significant loss for the Jets.

Vera-Tucker is the most important player on the Jets' offensive line. Replacing him is no easy task. That said, the Jets do have a few options moving forward.

While Vera-Tucker's value may be irreplaceable, here are four options the Jets have to replace him in the starting lineup for the foreseeable future.

4. The NY Jets could turn to Billy Turner

The Jets signed veteran Billy Turner this offseason with the expectation that he would serve as a reliable swing tackle off the bench. The 10-year NFL veteran has spent half of his career playing under Nathaniel Hackett and is a favorite of the Jets' offensive coaching staff.

Turner spent most of the summer as the Jets' primary left tackle while Duane Brown was recovering from offseason shoulder surgery. He came in to replace Mekhi Becton for a few plays on Sunday as well.

The Jets seem to see Turner as more of a left tackle, but the Minnesota native has ample experience playing both tackle spots. If the Jets prefer a more experienced option, they could turn to Turner.

This feels like the least likely of the four options on this list, but Turner's versatility allows the Jets to consider him as a replacement for Vera-Tucker. There are probably more appealing alternatives, however.

3. The NY Jets could roll with Duane Brown and Mekhi Becton

Alijah Vera-Tucker didn't begin the year as one of the Jets' two starting offensive tackles. It was only after Duane Brown landed on the injured reserve that Vera-Tucker moved over to right tackle.

Brown is eligible to return from the injured reserve as early as Week 8, meaning the Jets could theoretically be without him for just one more week. Perhaps they could consider going back to their original starting tackles in the near future.

Brown struggled mightily through the first two weeks of the season, allowing eight pressures and two sacks before his IR stint. That said, he wasn't exactly set up for success by poor offensive coaching, lackluster quarterback play, and two very difficult matchups.

It's also fair to suggest that Brown wasn't fully healthy earlier in the year. Perhaps his time on the injured reserve will allow his body to heal ahead of his eventual return.

Of course, Brown isn't the only player to consider here. Mekhi Becton has settled into a nice groove at his natural left tackle position. The former first-round pick was one of just three offensive tackles in the entire NFL this week to finish with a Pro Football Focus pass-block and run-block grade north of 80.0.

With Becton thriving at left tackle, should the Jets really consider messing with a good thing by moving him back to the right side? It's a question they might have to answer soon.

Starting Brown and Becton might be the best way for the Jets to get their five best offensive linemen on the field, but it might not be the preferred option.

2. The NY Jets could pursue an external option

If all else fails and the internal options look bleak, the Jets could always search for Vera-Tucker's replacement in the free-agent or trade market. External options are very much a possibility.

The Jets will likely add at least one offensive lineman in the wake of Vera-Tucker's injury. Don't be surprised if the team re-signs veteran Cedric Ogbuehi to their practice squad after he was released last week.

Still, Ogbuehi is hardly a long-term solution. The former Cincinnati Bengals first-round pick held his own when forced into action last season, but he's a low-end backup at this stage. He's little more than depth.

The most appealing free-agent option available is undoubtedly La'el Collins. Collins suffered a torn ACL and MCL late last season and was surprisingly released by the Bengals last month.

Reports suggest that Collins is healthy and cleared to return as of two weeks ago, and teams have reportedly shown interest. The Jets should absolutely consider him as a potential target.

The rest of the free-agent market isn't particularly appealing, but there might be a few names available via trade. Someone like Garrett Bolles of the Denver Broncos is a high-end, semi-realistic trade target as we approach the deadline.

It isn't easy to find quality offensive tackles on the open market in October, but there are a few appealing options if the Jets choose to explore this avenue.

1. The NY Jets could roll with Max Mitchell

The most likely scenario for the Jets would see the team stick with the player who was called upon to replace Vera-Tucker on Sunday, Max Mitchell. Regardless of what the team's long-term plan is, Mitchell seems likely to start on Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Mitchell was thrust into action early in his rookie season, starting five games for the Jets at right tackle. A knee injury sidelined him midseason before a scary medical condition threatened to derail his football career.

The 2022 fourth-round pick is healthy again and spent much of the summer as the team's primary right tackle, with Mekhi Becton working his way back from injury.

Mitchell held his own as a rookie, but the jury is still out on him being a starting-caliber tackle. The 23-year-old graded out well as a run-blocker on Sunday but struggled in pass protection.

The Jets aren't expecting Mitchell — or any replacement, for that matter — to replicate Vera-Tucker's value. But if Mitchell can prove to be a starting-caliber option, the Jets' offensive line could still find success moving forward.

For now, Mitchell is the odds-on favorite to replace Vera-Tucker. It's a massive opportunity for a young offensive tackle who put together an encouraging rookie campaign.

There is no replacing Alijah Vera-Tucker, but Max Mitchell is the Jets' best internal option to fill in for their star offensive lineman. Expect Mitchell to be given the first crack at the job.