Morning Sports Update
“If it works out, New England could get solid surplus value on this contract. If it does not, it could be a disaster.”
Alijah Vera-Tucker while playing for the Jets in 2025. AP Photo/Adam Hunger
March 10, 2026 | 10:43 AM
3 minutes to read
Reaction to a reported Patriots free agent agreement: The Patriots jumped into the NFL’s “legal tampering” period of free agency on Monday with a few reported agreements (teams can’t officially sign players until the new league year formally begins on Wednesday).
One of the names New England has agreed to add is offensive guard Alijah Vera-Tucker, formerly of the Jets. Vera-Tucker, 26, has a three-year deal in place with Patriots worth up to $48 million.
Though he was a first-round pick by New York in 2021, and was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team after a strong first season in the NFL, New England’s decision to sign Vera-Tucker has not been received with universal praise. One example came from The Athletic’s Daniel Popper, who helped grade reported free agent signings on Monday. His grade for the Patriots’ signing Vera-Tucker may seem harsh: D.
“Vera-Tucker is a very good player when he is on the field. The problem is he cannot stay on the field,” wrote Popper, who subsequently listed several injuries Vera-Tucker has sustained over the year (including multiple torn triceps as well as a torn Achilles).
“He has been in the NFL for five seasons. He has suffered season-ending injuries in three of them,” Popper reminded fans.
The Patriots recently traded center Garrett Bradbury to the Bears, vacating a spot on the offensive line. With Jared Wilson potentially moving to center, Vera-Tucker would slide in at his preferred position (guard).
And while Popper believes Vera-Tucker has talent, the injury concerns persist.
“Sandwiched in between those three [injury] seasons was a standout 2024 at right guard,” he noted. “Still, this deal is a massive risk for the Patriots. If it works out, New England could get solid surplus value on this contract. If it does not, it could be a disaster.”
Trivia: The Jets selected Alijah Vera-Tucker 14th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. Can you name the player selected right after him?
(Answer at the bottom).
Hint: Alabama QB.
Scores and schedules:
Tonight, the Bruins host the Kings at 7 p.m.
Also tonight, the Celtics face the Spurs in a fascinating matchup of two of the NBA’s best teams at 8 p.m. in San Antonio.
On Thursday, the Boston Fleet play the Goldeneyes in Vancouver at 10 p.m.
On Saturday, Boston Legacy FC make their NWSL debut at Gillette Stadium against defending champions Gotham FC at 12:30 p.m.
And on Sunday, the Revolution will play the club’s 2026 home opener against FC Cincinnati at 2:30 p.m.
More from Boston.com:
Roman holiday: The talented Red Sox outfielder swatted a home run to help the U.S. to victory.
Never a doubt. pic.twitter.com/7Ys4Au6aUr
— Red Sox (@RedSox) March 10, 2026
…but another Red Sox outfielder also had something to say: Fellow Boston outfielder Jarren Duran hit two home runs to help keep Mexico in contention.
On this day: “Cardiac Kemba” delivered for UConn in 2011 against Pitt. It was part of a miraculous Huskies run in which the team won the Big East Tournament with five games in five days before rattling off more wins to eventually defeat Brad Stevens’s Butler in the final.
“Step-back. WALKER … CARDIAC KEMBA!”
9 years ago today, the legend was born 😤 pic.twitter.com/jX5crMyslV
— ESPN (@espn) March 10, 2020
Daily highlight: USA shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. made multiple excellent defensive plays during Monday’s win over Mexico.
TWO INCREDIBLE DEFENSIVE PLAYS FOR TEAM USA 🤯
Bobby Witt Jr. was making plays in USA’s win vs. Mexico 🔥 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/0Im8POHlAQ
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 10, 2026
Trivia answer: Mac Jones
Hayden Bird is a sports staff writer for Boston.com, where he has worked since 2016. He covers all things sports in New England.
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