BREAKING: jets could trade star lineman alijah vera-tucker — despite season-ending injury
The New York Jets have a trade commodity on the team that no one is discussing.
NFL on FOX reporter Eric Williams revealed that league sources told him that a player who could be on the move is offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker.
“Could command some interest around the league,” league sources told Williams.
Vera-Tucker will miss the entire 2025 season with a torn triceps.
“With the Jets struggling and in full rebuilding mode, the 26-year-old Vera-Tucker is scheduled to make $15.3 million in total compensation in the final year of his rookie contract. However, Vera-Tucker’s future with the team is cloudy after he suffered a season-ending torn triceps injury in September and has had trouble staying on the field during his time in New York,” Williams explained.
“With New York more focused on the future, the Jets could seek to get draft compensation in the form of 2026 picks now instead of waiting to move on from him at the end of the season and potentially receiving a 2027 compensatory pick once he moves on in free agency,” Williams added.
Wait… You Can Trade Injured NFL Players?
Yes, you can. It is rare, but it does happen.
For example, wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk suffered a shoulder injury that required surgery this offseason. NFL Insider Jordan Schultz revealed that the injury would knock him out for the entire 2025 season on August 21.
A few weeks later, on September 13, the New England Patriots traded the injured pass catcher and a 2028 seventh-round pick to the New Orleans Saints in exchange for a 2027 sixth-round pick, per ESPN’s Katherine Terrell.
Do the Jets Want to Bring AVT Back?
The former USC product is scheduled to be a free agent in a couple of months.
Across his five years in the league, Vera-Tucker has been hurt a lot.
In three of his five seasons, he has suffered a season-ending injury. All in all, AVT will have missed 42 games due to injury in his career heading into 2026.
Vera-Tucker is talented, but he hasn’t been able to stay healthy. Do the Jets want to hop back on that ride next season, whether it’s a one-year deal or for multiple seasons?
Does Vera-Tucker Even Want to Come Back?
For all those same reasons, Vera-Tucker could want a fresh start. Vera-Tucker’s career in New York has mostly been marked by losses and injuries.
AVT is going to be attractive to other NFL teams because of his youth, his upside, and that he plays on the offensive line.
The Jets could let things play out with AVT. Maybe they re-sign him, or maybe they don’t. If he joins another team, the only form of compensation they could potentially get is a future compensatory pick, but that is never guaranteed.
Jets Found a Suitable Replacement at Right Guard
When Vera-Tucker was lost for the year, the team was forced to pivot. They decided to reshuffle the offensive line, kicking Joe Tippmann to right guard and plugging in veteran Josh Myers at center.
NFL analyst Will Parkinson said on social media, “Joe Tippmann doesn’t get enough credit for how good he’s been this year. Have said for years I think he’s a better guard than [center], and he’s proven it this year. Think he’s been their best interior player and would like to see him and [Armand] Membou man up that right side for next 5+ years.”
“Whether it’s AVT, [John] Simpson, a draft pick or whoever they can take care of LG but Tipp should be anchored at RG for the foreseeable future. Good player and the film/data shows it clear as day. Been a good partner with Membou as well. Able to play with better leverage and no deal with snapping etc. he’s just playing ball and doing it at a really good level,” Parkinson argued.
Joe Tippmann doesn’t get enough credit for how good he’s been this year. Have said for years I think he’s a better guard than C and he’s proven it this year. Think he’s been their best interior player and would like to see him and Membou man up that right side for next 5+ years.
— Will Parkinson (@Willpa11) October 8, 2025
BREAKING NEWS: Yankees Make Crucial Playoff Decision – Anthony Volpe to Start at Shortstop, Caballero Moved to Bench
As the New York Yankees inch closer to the postseason, the team has made a game-changing decision regarding their shortstop position. In a move that has sparked conversations across the MLB, Yankees' manager Aaron Boone has confirmed that Anthony Volpe, the team's highly-touted young prospect, will be their starting shortstop for the playoffs. This announcement comes despite the solid performance from Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who will now find himself relegated to a bench role.
!role~Preview!mt~photo!fmt~JPEG%20Baseline)
A Bold Playoff Gamble for the Yankees
The Yankees, who are striving to make a deep postseason run, have placed their trust in Volpe, despite his ups and downs this season. Known for his explosive potential, Volpe has shown flashes of brilliance in his rookie year, but he’s also faced some growing pains. However, the Yankees are betting that his energy and upside will be critical as the team seeks its next playoff berth.
"We believe in Anthony's talent," Boone said in a recent interview. "He's shown us what he's capable of, and now it's time for him to prove himself in the postseason. We’re confident that Volpe’s ability to make big plays at shortstop will be a key factor in our success."
This decision to start Volpe in the most crucial moments of the season underscores the Yankees' belief in his potential and the team's commitment to giving their younger stars a chance to shine.
A Tough Decision for Boone and Cashman
The decision to move Kiner-Falefa, who had been performing admirably, to the bench is not without its challenges. Kiner-Falefa, who has provided stability on defense and a steady bat throughout the season, will now have to adjust to a lesser role. It’s a move that could have serious implications for the team’s chemistry, but Boone emphasized that it was made with the playoffs in mind.
“Isiah has been great for us this year. He’s a versatile player, and we’ll still count on him in big spots,” Boone added. “But right now, Volpe gives us the best chance to win.”
The Yankees' front office, led by GM Brian Cashman, echoed the sentiment. “Volpe has that spark. We know he’s had his struggles, but his upside is too high to ignore, especially when we need to capitalize on every opportunity in the postseason."
Volpe’s Potential and the Playoff Push
For Volpe, this is a huge opportunity to prove himself on the biggest stage. After a season filled with both highs and lows, the 22-year-old shortstop now finds himself under the spotlight. Known for his speed, defensive skills, and solid bat, Volpe’s ability to step up in the postseason could not only define his career but also make or break the Yankees' playoff hopes.
“I’ve been working hard all season for moments like this,” Volpe said. “It’s time to show what I can do and help the team win.”
As the postseason looms large, the decision to go with Volpe as the starting shortstop shows that the Yankees are embracing a blend of youth and potential. With their playoff hopes hanging in the balance, all eyes will be on Volpe to see if he can handle the pressure and help lead New York to its next World Series title.
Looking Ahead to the Playoffs
With Volpe officially securing the shortstop role, the Yankees will now look to build on the momentum as they enter the postseason. The young star's performance could be the key to unlocking the Yankees’ potential in October, making this decision a critical moment in the team’s future.
As the team gears up for the postseason, Volpe’s growth as a player could serve as the spark that drives the Yankees to their next championship run. However, the pressure is on him, and the rest of the team, to rise to the occasion. Only time will tell if the Yankees’ faith in their young shortstop pays off.
