The Patriots made one final splash signing on the first day of free agency, agreeing to a deal with offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker late Monday night, per NFL Media.
Vera-Tucker, who has spent his entire NFL career with the Jets, projects to play left guard next to left tackle Will Campbell, center Jared Wilson, right guard Mike Onwenu and right tackle Morgan Moses.
The 6-foot-5, 308-pound offensive lineman went one pick before the Patriots selected Mac Jones in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft when the Jets traded up to the No. 14 overall pick. Vera-Tucker, 26, has started 43 games since entering the NFL.
The USC product has started games at left guard, right guard and right tackle during his NFL career. He missed all of last season with a torn triceps. It was the second time he’s missed games due to a torn triceps during his career. He also missed time with an Achilles injury.
Vera-Tucker joins Wilson, Onwenu, Ben Brown and Caedan Wallace on the Patriots’ interior offensive line.
The Patriots agreed to trade center Garrett Bradbury to the Bears over the weekend. The deal can’t become official until the start of the new league year on Wednesday.
The Patriots have also agreed to deals with edge defender Dre’Mont Jones and fullback Reggie Gilliam since the league’s open tampering period began Monday at noon.