With the Super Bowl now in the rearview and the NFL calendar flipping to offseason mode, all eyes in Pittsburgh turn to roster construction - and the Steelers have some serious decisions to make. Free agency is just around the corner, and while the franchise isn’t known for splashy signings, this year might be the right time to make a calculated move or two. Especially if that move helps solidify an offensive line that’s quietly becoming the backbone of this team.
Enter Alijah Vera-Tucker.
The former USC standout and 2021 first-round pick has had a bit of a rollercoaster ride with the Jets. Drafted as a tackle, he made a smooth transition to guard early in his NFL career and has shown flashes of high-end play when healthy.
And that’s the key phrase - when healthy. Injuries have been the biggest hurdle for Vera-Tucker, with three of his first five seasons cut short.
But when he’s on the field, he’s a difference-maker. There’s no question about the talent.
For the Steelers, this is exactly the kind of calculated risk that could pay off in a big way.
The guard market has exploded in recent years, with top-tier players commanding north of $20 million annually. But Vera-Tucker’s injury history has kept his projected value surprisingly reasonable - just under $13 million per year, according to Spotrac. That’s a bargain for a player with his ceiling, especially in today’s NFL where interior line play is more valuable than ever.
It’s a situation that mirrors what we saw with James Daniels last offseason. Coming off an injury, Daniels signed a team-friendly deal in Miami and proved he still had plenty left in the tank. Vera-Tucker could follow a similar path - and Pittsburgh could be the perfect landing spot.
The timing also makes sense from a roster-building standpoint. Veteran guard Isaac Seumalo is expected to depart, and while the Steelers have invested in young talent across the line, they’ll soon need to start thinking about second contracts. Bringing in a veteran like Vera-Tucker now - while the cost is still manageable - could help stabilize the unit and buy time for the development of younger players.
There’s always risk when you’re betting on health. Three injury-shortened seasons in five years is no small red flag.
But the upside? It’s real.
Vera-Tucker wouldn’t just be a depth piece - he’d step in as a plug-and-play starter, giving the Steelers a versatile, experienced lineman who can anchor the interior and bring leadership to a young group. His presence would also allow Spencer Anderson to remain in a valuable swing role, providing depth across multiple spots.
This is the kind of move that doesn’t make headlines in March but pays dividends in December. If the Steelers can land Vera-Tucker on a reasonable deal, they’ll be adding a high-upside piece to a line that’s quietly becoming one of the team’s strengths. For a franchise that prides itself on winning in the trenches, that’s a move worth making.