5 things to know about Patriots offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker

New England Patriots

Meet the Patriots’ newest offensive guard.

After allowing Drake May to be sacked a total of 68 times between the regular season and the postseason, the Patriots made a move to bolster their offensive line.

They added former Jets first-round pick Alijah Vera-Tucker, a versatile player who primarily spends time at the point guard position.

New England is making changes on the interior. They traded starting center Jarrett Bradberry to the Bears. Jared Wilson, who started at left guard as a rookie, has experience playing quarterback in college, but it remains to be seen where the Patriots will ultimately place him. Mike Onwenu, the highest-paid player on New England’s offensive line, spent the bulk of his time at right guard last season.

At 26 years old, Vera Tucker brings a mix of experience and youth up front for the Patriots. He started 43 games. He is familiar with East Asia. He has been teammates with Morgan Moses before.

But he also had problems staying on the field. He missed all of last season with a triceps injury.

The Patriots are betting that he will be able to stay healthy in 2026 and beyond. Here are five things to know about the newest addition to New England’s offensive line.

He primarily plays right guard, as does Mike Onwenu

Vera Tucker did He started at least one game at every position on the offensive line except center. He made the bulk of his starts (20) at right guard, but also spent a similar amount of time (16 games) at left guard.

He also spent seven games at tackle, six at right tackle and one at left tackle.

Onwenu, who has also moved around the goal line at times in the past, settled into the right guard position last season.

Left guard appears to be a position where the Patriots will have room to make changes. The Patriots had a pair of rookies (Wilson and Will Campbell) protecting Drake May’s blind side last season. Both players struggled in the playoffs. Vera-Tucker sliding into the left guard spot would immediately give the Patriots more experience on the left side, along with upside if he can stay healthy.

His injury history makes him a gamble for New England

Vera-Tucker did not play a game last season. He tore his Achilles tendon in 2023 and suffered a separate season-ending triceps injury in 2022. He has missed 42 of a possible 85 games for the Jets since he was drafted in 2021.

Lack of availability has been a problem. He’s a talented player, but he had a tough road early dealing with these injuries.

“It’s definitely a difficult process,” Vera-Tucker told reporters during his introductory news conference. “I feel like any athlete who has had injuries understands that. It was upsetting because I was playing at a high level for my team, playing ball and everything, and then feeling the pain, not being able to play on the field with my team and my brothers.

“It’s just something I’ve had to learn how to deal with, but going forward I feel very confident in myself, really confident in this team and this coaching staff to be able to get through a few seasons here.”

Morgan helped Moses convince him to choose the Patriots

Morgan Moses, the Patriots’ starting right tackle, had a short stint with the Jets where he was a teammate of Vera Tucker.

Moses, who signed with the Patriots in free agency last year, helped the team make a positive impression on Vera Tucker as it weighed its options during free agency.

“I would say that definitely played a role, just Morgan being the type of guy he is. I knew I could trust his opinion at this place,” Vera Tucker said. “So, after talking to him for a while, that definitely played a factor in me coming here.”

The Patriots’ playoff run didn’t hurt either. Mike Vrabel’s coaching staff was also considered a plus.

“I would say the free agency process was different. It was my first time doing it,” Vera Tucker said. “I would say a fair number of teams were interested, but when making the decision, it was about going somewhere that has an established winning culture, guys that love the game and love playing for each other, and obviously the coaching staff as well. All of those factors came into play and I’m excited.”

he He grew up with two sets of parents

Vera Tucker’s parents divorced when he was young. They have been married ever since.

He considers all four people his parents. According to A Profile 2019 He was published by his alma mater USC, which is part of the reason he chose to wear both last names on his jersey.

“I grew up in two families my whole life,” Vera Tucker said. “Just being able to show appreciation for the Vera family and the Tucker family at the same time has always been a passion of mine. Having those two names instead of one, II feel like I have more power. I feel closer to every family.

He is proud to represent his Mexican heritage

NFL.com She produced a video in 2023 highlighting Vera Tucker’s Mexican heritage.

During an interview published on NewYorkJets.comVera-Tucker said he is proud to represent this part of his identity.

“It’s a rare opportunity,” Vera Tucker said. “There’s not a lot of us of Mexican descent in the NFL, so being one of those representatives feels like it carries a lot of weight. I’m proud to be one of them.”

“Every year, it’s great during Heritage Month, the NFL is reaching out to you and wants you to do things and I totally support that. Even little things like putting the flag on the back of the helmet, I think that’s really cool. It’s great to wear that helmet or flag with pride.”