Jets Country

Jets Sign First-Round Pick Alijah Vera-Tucker

The New York Jets officially signed first-round pick Alijah Vera-Tucker, the No. 14 overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft and the Jets left guard of the future

Max Goodman

John Jones-USA TODAY Sports

The Jets have officially signed first-round pick Alijah Vera-Tucker, the team announced on Tuesday evening. 

New York's second first-rounder of this year's NFL draft agreed to a four-year deal worth $15.885 million, as noted by ESPN's Rich Cimini. It's full guaranteed, including a signing bonus of $8.9 million with a fifth-year team option. 

Vera-Tucker was selected 14th overall by the Jets after New York traded up in the first round, sending two third-round picks to the Minnesota Vikings. After the move, Jets general manager Joe Douglas called Vera-Tucker a "top-10 player," excited about adding another phenom to the offensive line. 

Was the Jets' Draft Trade for Alijah Vera-Tucker Worth It?

Vera-Tucker, was a standout at USC, shining on the left side of the offensive line. In green and white, the lineman is expected to slot in next to left tackle Mekhi Becton at left guard, added protection for Wilson on his blind side. 

Jets Prioritized Protection By Trading Up For Vera-Tucker

"I think that [Vera-Tucker and Becton] have a chance to be the bash brothers for a long time with the Jets and have fun physically just mauling people," NFL Network's Brian Baldinger told Jets Country in a phone interview earlier in the offseason.

New York's other first-round pick—No. 2 overall selection Zach Wilson—and second-rounder Elijah Moore remain unsigned. 

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Max Goodman
MAX GOODMAN

Max Goodman covers the New York Jets for Sports Illustrated and FanNation. He also covers the New York Yankees, publisher  of Sports Illustrated and FanNation's Yankees site, Inside The Pinstripes. Before starting out with SI, Goodman attended Northwestern University and the Medill School of Journalism. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism and Master’s Degree in Sports Media, graduating in 2019. While at school, Goodman gathered valuable experience as an anchor and reporter on NNN SportsNight and played on the club baseball team. Goodman previously interned at MLB.com as an associate reporter covering the Miami Marlins. He also interned with ESPN, working as an associate reporter on Mike Greenberg's Get Up. Goodman is from New York City. He grew up in Hell's Kitchen. Follow Goodman on Twitter @MaxTGoodman and connect with him via email by reaching out at maxgoodmansports@gmail.com.

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