New York Jets general manager Darren Mougey re-signed both Sauce Gardner and Garrett Wilson this offseason. With those musts checked off the to-do list, Mougey can turn his attention to other contracts, if he chooses. The Jets have a bunch of intriguing playmakers on expiring contracts, including running back Breece Hall and interior offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker.
Vera-Tucker is currently entering the fifth-year option on his rookie deal. It was exercised by the previous regime, and will pay Vera-Tucker, the No. 14 overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft, a fully guaranteed $15.3 million this season. The Jets are attentive to his expiring contract.
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“Hopefully at some point we can get something done,” head coach Aaron Glenn recently said about Vera-Tucker, calling him a “great player.”
Vera-Tucker was outstanding for the Jets last season. The former USC standout earned an overall offensive grade of 77.7 from Pro Football Focus for his performance in 2024. Vera-Tucker was assigned blame for allowing just four sacks and 16 pressures last year.
Trey Smith is the highest-paid guard in the NFL, earning $23.5 million per season. Five total guards earn $20-plus million annually. Vera-Tucker could be in a position to demand a similar salary. The Jets are leaning on their offensive line this season, and Vera-Tucker is well-positioned to sign a lucrative extension.
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This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Jets sound like they want to re-sign IOL Alijah Vera-Tucker