Joe Douglas says Alijah Vera-Tucker will play one position in 2024, not bounce around

Jets offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker gives the team plenty of flexibility. He has played every position except center in his three NFL seasons. After playing right guard and right tackle in 2023, the Jets can base their free agency and draft strategies based on where they want to play Vera-Tucker.

But according to general manager Joe Douglas during his media availability at the Scouting Combine, once the Jets make that decision on AVT, they are sticking with it. There will be no bouncing around the line for Vera-Tucker. He will stick at one position for the season.

Joe Douglas thinks the #Jets are in a good position with the OLine heading into the offseason because of Alijah Vera-Tucker’s versatility. Said they won’t be moving him around this year he’ll only play one position.

— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) February 28, 2024

Injuries over the past two seasons have forced the Jets to move Vera-Tucker from right guard to right tackle to even left tackle. For 2024, he’ll likely play either right guard or right tackle. The Jets have to fill both tackle spots — Duane Brown and Mekhi Becton are both free agents — as well as left guard — the Jets are reportedly releasing Laken Tomlinson.

Vera-Tucker is also recovering from his own Achilles injury suffered in Week 5 last season but Douglas said Vera-Tucker is in a “great place” in his recovery. Vera-Tucker has missed 22 games over the last two seasons due to tricep and Achilles injuries.

The name of the game in 2024 is protecting quarterback Aaron Rodgers while praying the men doing the protecting can stay healthy. Finding the right spot for Vera-Tucker and whoever else comes in will be of the utmost importance.