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An angry New York Jets fan sharing his displeasure with what he is watching on the football field.
The truth hurts.
New England Patriots offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker told ESPN’s Mike Reiss that he didn’t want to re-sign with the New York Jets this offseason.
“A fresh start was what I think I needed. When you have three accidents, it sucks …” AVT told Reiss via ESPN, referencing torn triceps (both arms) and Achilles injuries. “But I really enjoyed my time the past five years. Nothing but respect for everybody in that building, and the fans. I do hope they win a lot of games, just not against us.”
The Jets had an interest in bringing Vera-Tucker back, but apparently, the feeling wasn’t mutual.
Vera-Tucker entered the league as the No. 14 overall pick in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft. The Jets traded up nine slots to go get the former USC product.
New England Signs AVT to Historic Deal
It stings to lose a player. It stings even more to lose a player to a hated division rival.
Vera-Tucker, 26, will turn 27 before the start of the 2026 season. The biggest problem for AVT in the NFL has been durability. He has torn both of his triceps and his Achilles.
Those injury issues affected Vera-Tucker’s market in free agency. He signed a three-year, $42 million contract that has a maximum value of $48 million.
That is a lot of moolah, but as with everything, the devil is in the details.
NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero explained that the Patriots went to historic lengths to protect themselves in this contract.
“The Patriots’ three-year, $42 million deal with OL Alijah Vera-Tucker includes a whopping $250,000 for each game he’s active — one of the biggest per-game active roster bonuses in NFL history. A sensible hedge with AVT, who is very talented but has battled injuries,” Pelissero posted.
“The per-game bonuses are technically guaranteed in 2026, but he still has to dress each week to earn them. A total of $12.75 million over three years tied to being active,” Pelissero added.
The Patriots’ three-year, $42 million deal with OL Alijah Vera-Tucker includes a whopping $250,000 for each game he’s active — one of the biggest per-game active roster bonuses in NFL history.
A sensible hedge with AVT, who is very talented but has battled injuries.
“Yeah, I would say I was really comfortable. I really got to give a lot of credit to my agent,” Vera-Tucker said when asked about the unique structure of his new deal. “There are obviously things in the contract that are there for a reason, given my history. I don’t mind that when all I get to do is come out and get to play football for a good team.”
Vera-Tucker Dishes on Jets-Pats Rivalry
“I’ll be real with you, playing for the Jets for the past five years, you develop, I’ll be real with you guys, a certain type of hate for this team. Which is real, and I keep it real. At the end of the day, this league is a business, and I have to do what’s best for me and my family,” AVT explained.
The former USC product revealed that he has received some grief from friends and family in New York after signing with the rival Patriots.
“Some of the fans are a little upset, which I get ya know, I’d be upset too, but I wish nothing but the best for that team. I’ll keep rooting for them and the guys over there as long as we don’t play them,” AVT said.
A New England reporter then asked Vera-Tucker if he feels like he has finally made it to the NFL now that he is playing for the Patriots and not the Jets.
“I wouldn’t say that,” Vera-Tucker responded with a laugh.
#Patriots OL Alijah Vera-Tucker said when he was on the #Jets he and his teammates developed a hatred for New England.
He knows some NYJ fans are ‘a little upset’ that he joined a hated rival in free agency.
WHAT A DICK!
A New England reporter asked AVT if he feels like he
Paul Esden Jr. covers the New York Jets for Heavy.com. A New York native, he co-hosts a morning show, “The Manchild Show with Boy Green Digital.” Before joining Heavy in 2021, Esden Jr. covered both national and New York sports for FanSided, Elite Sports NY, and The Score 1260. More about Paul Esden Jr.
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