March 10, 2026, 7:31 a.m. ET
The New York Giants were unable to secure free-agent guard Alijah Vera-Tucker, who agreed to terms with the New England Patriots on a three-year deal worth $42 million, with potential to reach $48 million, on Friday.
SNY’s Connor Hughes reports that the Giants and Vera-Tucker could not agree on the length of the contract despite optimism lingering late into the night.
Vera-Tucker, a former first-round pick (14th overall) by the New York Jets in the 2021 NFL draft, had drawn interest from the Giants as they sought to address their interior offensive line needs under new head coach John Harbaugh.
Reports from earlier in the week, including from SNY’s Connor Hughes and ESPN’s Jordan Raanan, positioned Vera-Tucker as a key player to monitor for New York, given his versatility—he has started at both guard spots and tackle—and strong performance when healthy, including elite run-blocking and pass protection skills.
The Giants were expected to target a high-level guard in free agency, with Vera-Tucker among the names linked alongside Wyatt Teller.
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Despite the pursuit, the Giants could not close the deal.
Vera-Tucker, who missed the 2025 season due to a torn triceps and has a history of injuries, including a torn Achilles and prior triceps tear, instead landed with the Patriots to bolster their line in front of quarterback Drake Maye.
The Giants now remain in search of reinforcements at guard. They could pivot to the aforementioned free agent Wyatt Teller or explore in-house options, such as re-signing Greg Van Roten.
