New England Patriots offensive lineman Aliyah Vera-Tucker is looking forward to a healthy offseason.
Once he returns to action, the 26-year-old will operate at left-back.
“I think that’s probably the plan right now,” Patriots executive vice president of player personnel Elliott Wolf said. “We have some players who do have versatility, which is always a good thing, but I think that’s probably the plan right now.”
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Over the past few seasons, when Vera-Tucker was healthy, he primarily played right guard for the New York Jets. However, left guard is no stranger to Vera-Tucker, as he started 15 games during his rookie season in 2021. Now that he’s ready to return, he’s confident the transition will be seamless.
“I haven’t been there for a while. But give me some practice, a couple of weeks and I’ll be good,” he said. “I’m a team-first player. I’ve played left-back before, so I don’t mind going there.”
The move would put Vera-Tucker between Will Campbell and Jared Wilson on the Patriots’ offensive line. Despite a rough stretch in the postseason, New England is backing Campbell as the team’s left tackle moving forward.
“We know who the free agent at left tackle is. We know the draft board at left tackle. We know we’re going to pick No. 31,” Wolfe said. “If someone is better than Will Campbell at left tackle, we’ll consider anything. I’m just not sure how realistic that is right now.”
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Wilson will then return to his natural center position, which became vacant after the Patriots traded veteran Garrett Bradbury to the Chicago Bears for draft capital.
Vera-Tucker was impressed with the duo in their first season in the NFL.
“I think they’re both very talented guys. I don’t think Jared has ever played guard before and then just goes out and does his thing – I think he’s very strong and he’s a talented player. I’m excited to play next to him. And then so is Will, which is why they got him so early in the draft,” he shared.
“Just watching tape of them, there’s not a lot, but I saw it first hand when they played the Jets last year and I liked what I saw and then I’m excited to be here and work with the team.”
