The New York Giants are heading into the 2025 season with zero margin for error — and one major problem still looms: the offensive line, particularly at right guard.
During OTAs and minicamp, the Giants’ defensive front consistently overpowered the offensive line, which, while encouraging for the defense, is a red flag for Russell Wilson and the offense. The biggest concern? Right guard.
Veteran Greg Van Roten is back at age 35, competing for the job alongside second-year undrafted lineman Jake Kubas and former first-round pick Evan Neal, who’s attempting a transition to guard. Behind them, Aaron Stinnie and Austin Schlottmann offer veteran depth, while rookie Marcus Mbow — though drafted as a guard — is being developed at tackle for now. In short, there are bodies but no guaranteed answer.
That’s why Alijah Vera-Tucker of the New York Jets has emerged as a potential trade target. According to Pro Football Network, the Jets’ starting right guard could be on the move, as he’s entering a contract year and New York’s other stars — like Sauce Gardner and Garrett Wilson — will also need big extensions. With new GM Darren Mougey facing tough roster decisions, a cross-town deal might not be out of the question.
PFN notes that the Giants’ offensive line woes aren’t new — the unit ranked 28th in pressure rate allowed last season (38.4%) and has struggled for consistency beyond Andrew Thomas and John Michael Schmitz Jr.. Free-agent pickup James Hudson and rookie Mbow provide depth, but not a sure fix. Vera-Tucker, who allowed just a 1.74% pressure rate in 2024 after two injury-riddled years, could offer a huge upgrade — if the Jets are open to dealing.
Of course, any trade would require the Giants to negotiate a contract extension, as Vera-Tucker is set to hit free agency after 2025. While Big Blue has limited cap space this offseason, that will change soon, with Daniel Jones’ contract coming off the books and rookie QB Jaxson Dart expected to take over after one year of Wilson.
That gives GM Joe Schoen a path: absorb Vera-Tucker’s current $15.3 million cap hit this year, then spread out the cost with a backloaded extension. If the Jets are willing to talk, this is a trade that could solve a lingering problem for the Giants — and stabilize an offensive line that desperately needs it.
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