What seemed certain is now uncertain.
New York Jets GM Joe Douglas was asked if he will exercise the fifth-year option on Alijah Vera-Tucker’s contract.
JD struggled with his words for five seconds before replying, “We haven’t discussed that yet. We have some time after the draft. I’ll definitely update you on that after the draft.”
The Jets need to decide to decide on AVT’s contract option by May 2. If they accept it, the former USC player will be owed $15.3 million fully guaranteed for the 2025 season. If they reject it, AVT would be set to become an unrestricted free agent next off-season.
A Revealing Response From Douglas Regarding AVT’s Future
I’ve spoken to several team insiders on my show, “Boy Green Daily”, this off-season. I’ve asked everyone the same questions about the future of AVT and the pending fifth-year option decision.
Most of the people I spoke to described it as a “slam dunk” obvious yes because of the upside and positional importance of the offensive line.
However, JD’s unwillingness to commit to it earlier this off-season during public appearances raised some concerns.
Interestingly, back in 2022, he was asked about the fifth-year option decision for defensive tackle Quinnen Williams at the NFL Combine and he expressed a much different opinion.
Months before he had to make the decision, Douglas stated to the media that they planned on accepting it. This time around he has avoided questions about AVT’s future and has postponed the decision.
A very interesting response by Joe Douglas to say the least.
When you go back to March of 2022 at the #NFLCombine, JD didn't hesitate to say publicly they were picking up the 5th year option on Quinnen Williams.
However this time he hesitated…https://t.co/gWH315SENT
— Paul Andrew Esden Jr (@BoyGreen25) April 19, 2024
Antwan Staley of the New York Daily News shared his thoughts from Douglas’ press conference on Friday, April 19.
“Douglas didn’t sound too convincing they would pick up Alijah Vera-Tucker’s fifth-year option,” Staley wrote on social media.
Life Moves Pretty Fast in the NFL
On January 8 Douglas called AVT a “cornerstone player” on the offensive line at his end-of-season press conference. He said that they want to build around Vera-Tucker.
Months later it seems like JD is strongly considering declining Vera-Tucker’s fifth-year option.
The reason is clear, concerns about durability.
Over the last two years, the USC player has missed 22 games. In each of the last two seasons, AVT’s year came to an abrupt halt due to season-ending injuries.
The fifth-year option for AVT would be $15.3 million fully guaranteed, per Over The Cap. That annual salary would place him No. 11 among the highest-paid guards in the NFL, per OTC.
Refusing that option is a risky move. If AVT can’t stay healthy, then that decision looks great because you can get out of the deal next off-season. However, if he stays healthy, the Jets will be in a tough negotiating position.
The green and white would have the franchise tag in their back pocket as a last resort, but you only get one of those.
Here are some of the other big-name Jets free agents that are scheduled to hit the market next year:
- Haason Reddick
- DJ Reed
- Mike Williams
- Michael Carter II
- Tyron Smith
- Morgan Moses
On top of those guys, the entire 2022 draft class is eligible to discuss contract extensions for the first time next off-season. That opens the door for some big money deals for players like Sauce Gardner, Garrett Wilson, Jermaine Johnson, and Breece Hall.
The Jets need to seriously consider this AVT decision as it could have significant impacts on the rest of the roster.
