Alijah Vera-Tucker prepares to block while playing for the Jets against the Cowboys in 2023. Vera-Tucker agreed to a three-year deal with the Patriots. (Michael Ainsworth/Associated Press)

The AFC champion New England Patriots bolstered their offensive line by agreeing with guard Alijah Vera-Tucker on a 3-year, $42 million contract, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Tuesday.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the contract can’t be finalized until the start of the league year on Wednesday.

Vera-Tucker was the 14th overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft by the New York Jets. He started 43 games at both guard spots in four seasons and should help improve an offensive line that allowed six sacks in New England’s 29-13 loss to Seattle in the Super Bowl last month.

The Patriots opened the free agency period by addressing one of their top defensive priorities this offseason, agreeing to a deal with edge rusher Dre’Mont Jones.