Alijah Vera-Tucker said he believes he will be at right guard with the rest of the starting offense when the Jets open training camp.
That is significant for two reasons: First, it means that Vera-Tucker is on track to be cleared for team drills by mid-July after he missed the final 10 games of last season with a triceps injury.
Second, it shows that new offensive line coach Keith Carter isn’t toying with moving the versatile 2021 first-round draft pick to tackle after an impressive stint there last season.
“I’m making great progress; should be ready by camp,” Vera-Tucker said Wednesday. “I’m feeling great during OTAs, doing a lot of O-line drills with the guys. It feels good to finally be back out there doing individual [drills].”
As the injuries — to Mekhi Becton, Duane Brown and George Fant — mounted early last season, Vera-Tucker moved to left tackle and then to right tackle. Fant remains a free agent, but the Jets are moving forward with Becton, Brown, veteran free-agent Billy Tucker, Max Mitchell and rookie Carter Warren at tackle.
“For me, it really doesn’t matter. I’m always team-first,” Vera Tucker said. “Talking to Coach Carter, he has a plan for me and the whole O-line, as well. It’s going to come down to his decision. I feel comfortable at either one.
“I’m just taking reps at guard in OTAs. Anything could change. We saw that last year. You never know. I’ll always be on my toes.”
DT Quinnen Williams has skipped the voluntary offseason program, just as he said, in January, he would if he had not received a contract extension.
He also is preparing to welcome a daughter with his wife, Maranda, within the next two weeks, according to his brother.
“Quinnen is great. I talk to him every single day,” Jets linebacker Quincy Williams, Quinnen’s older brother, said. “I’ve really just been helping around the house with Maranda and Quinnen. That’s kind of what he’s focused on right now. Around the locker room, we are very excited about it, too.”
Quincy deflected a question about when Quinnen, who is due $9.5 million on the final year of his contract, might rejoin his teammates.
The Jets had an easier time striking a deal with Quincy Williams, who re-signed for $18 million over three years just before reaching free agency. Why?
“Because of what we started,” Quincy said. “We built a foundation last year and it was great. I wanted to come back to see where else it could go.”
The new slimmed down Becton — as self-advertised on social media — has caught the attention of teammates. Becton played in just one game and underwent two surgeries on his right knee over the last two seasons, leading to struggles controlling his weight.
“I just saw him the other day: He’s looking great in person,” Vera-Tucker said. “Same old Mekhi. Big body, very athletic guy, moves people out the way easily. With him slimming down, it’s just going to make him even a better athlete and more of a monster. I’m excited to see what he puts on.”
The Jets agreed to terms with defensive tackle Al Woods, according to agency SportsTrust Advisors.
The Jets hosted the run-stuffer Woods, a veteran of 155 career games, on a free-agent visit last month. The 36-year-old started 30 games for the Seahawks over the past two seasons.