Alijah Vera-Tucker, New York Jets
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Alijah Vera-Tucker leaves the pitch during the NFL match between New York Jets and Minnesota Vikings at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
With just hours to go until the unofficial start to NFL free agency, names are starting to come out regarding who the New York Giants may target once the legal tampering period begins.
SNY’s Connor Hughes is reporting that the Giants are circling an offensive lineman who was a recent first-round selection, but it’s not Baltimore Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum.
“While center Tyler Linderbaum and running back Kenneth Walker were on the team’s initial wish list, they’ve been priced out of New York’s range,” wrote Hughes.
“Players to monitor include cornerback Jamel Dean, linebacker Tremaine Edmunds and guard Alijah Vera-Tucker. The Giants are also keen on tight end Isaiah Likely.”
New York Jets guard Alijah Vera-Tucker is a new name that’s been linked to the Giants, but it makes sense given their need for new faces along the offensive line.
Giants Targeting Alijah Vera-Tucker in Free Agency
The New York Giants have several holes to fill on their offensive line entering free agency, especially if they can’t bring back right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor.
Vera-Tucker, though, would likely be a replacement for right guard Greg Van Roten. The 36-year-old was a solid stopgap for Big Blue in 2025, but it’s obvious he isn’t a long-term solution.
The former New York Jets offensive lineman could be what head coach John Harbaugh is looking for.
Vera-Tucker has shown Pro Bowl upside throughout his short NFL career. He’s flexible, too, having started a game at every position except center throughout his entire career in New York.
The knock on the 2021 first-round pick is his durability. In three of five NFL seasons, Vera-Tucker has suffered a season-ending injury. He’s only played in 43 of 85 possible games.
But if he can stay healthy, there’s no doubt he can reach the Pro Bowl ceiling that has been seen in glimpses throughout his career with the Jets.
Despite his lengthy injury history, elite offensive linemen are a hot commodity in the NFL. He figures to have a serious market once free agency kicks off.
Spotrac projects Vera-Tucker to sign a four-year, $51.3 million deal, which is something the Giants could certainly afford to do after making a few internal moves.
Giants’ Cap Situation Entering Free Agency
As things currently stand, the New York Giants aren’t exactly flush with cash entering free agency.
Hughes noted the Giants currently have about $14.2 million to work with, after cutting ties with linebacker Bobby Okereke, offensive lineman James Hudson, and restructuring running back Devin Singletary’s contract.
New York can free up about $13.75 million more by releasing offensive lineman Jon Runyan and kicker Graham Gano, which would cover Vera-Tucker’s projected salary from Spotrac.
But the Giants have more moves to make than just adding another offensive lineman, and may have to restructure the contracts of edge Brian Burns, cornerback Paulson Adebo, and safety Jevon Holland to really free up some spending money.
It all depends on how free agency shakes out for the Giants, and it will depend on whether they’ll be able to retain some of their in-house players as well.
Regardless, New York has names that they want, and it may be difficult to turn down Harbaugh.