Jets Starter Predicted to Bolt in Free Agency for Deal With Texans

The Jets could lose one of their starting offensive linemen to another AFC team this offseason...

Dec 7, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; A Houston Texans helmet is seen on the sideline during the second quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images | Denny Medley-Imagn Images

The New York Jets are in a tough spot with their roster, but they're in a good spot with the assets they have to build it back up. They don't have many franchise players on the team at this point, but they have two first round picks and two second round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. They also have three picks in the first round of the 2027 NFL Draft.

But the Jets also have plenty of money to spend in free agency. They're ranked near the top of the league in cap space, though some of it is expected to be used on Breece Hall, whether it's a long-term contract or the franchise tag. As a result, they're at risk to lose some of their other free agents.

Christian D'Andrea recently put together a list of one free agent prediction for each team in the league. D'Andrea predicted the Houston Texans would sign Jets offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker away from New York in the coming months.

Texans could steal Alijah Vera-Tucker from Jets in free agency

Jul 24, 2025; Florham Park, NY, USA; New York Jets guard Alijah Vera-Tucker (75) speaks to the media during training camp at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images | John Jones-Imagn Images

"Did Vera-Tucker's injury knock down his asking price enough for a Houston team with modest cap room (after what's certain to be a handful of restructures for guys like CJ Stroud, Nico Collins and Derek Stingley Jr.) to afford him? Vera-Tucker is a high level blocker who can look at what a stop in Houston did for Ed Ingram and sign a short-term deal in hopes of boosting his value," D'Andrea wrote. "He's only played 43 games in five NFL seasons but was impressive when healthy in 2024. The Texans may offer the best combination of coaching and win-now potential for a tarnished-but-talented player like the Jets' o-lineman."

Vera-Tucker missed all of last season with injuries, but he's still a valuable offensive lineman who would likely slot back into the Jets' starting line up if he were to be re-signed.

But the Texans could be a bit more aggressive in his free agency, especially if he's expected to sign for much less than the typical going rate for offensive linemen because of his injury-riddled 2025 season.

The Texans could offer him the same money as the Jets, but on a very talented team with the potential to do damage in the playoffs. It wouldn't be hard to lure him away from New York if all else is equal.