Nate Solder rumors: 5 best fits in NFL free agency
By Joe Schiller
Veteran left tackle Nate Solder will be a top free-agent offensive lineman. Here are the five best fits for his services.
The key to Tom Brady’s storied success has been his ability to stay upright in the pocket. Since 2011, tackle Nate Solder has been protecting the future Hall of Famer. At the most valuable and important position on the offensive line, Solder has been a consistent brick wall for the New England Patriots up front. Now after seven seasons, he’s set to hit the free agent market.
Solder will be 30 years old by the time a new season begins but that won’t affect his value much at all. He’ll be a coveted free agent and the best offensive tackle available on the open market this offseason. Behind Panthers’ guard Andrew Norwell, you aren’t going to find a better lineman in free agency.
Starting-caliber offensive tackles are a dime a dozen. As quarterbacks continue to earn massive contracts, protecting them becomes the highest priority. That’s why offensive tackles are some of the highest paid players in the NFL. Spotrac.com predicts Solder’s market value around the $13.2 million range per year, which is among the best in the business.
Once March 14 hits, Solder is free to sign wherever he chooses. Here are his five best fits in free agency.
5. Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks were absolutely atrocious on the offensive line last season. Russell Wilson is a mobile quarterback and was running for his life in the pocket. Even a desperate plea for Duane Brown at the trade deadline couldn’t completely fill the void. The struggles will only get worse if the Seahawks don’t address the offensive line and it should be the top priority this offseason.
Bringing Solder to Seattle would be a ton of sense in this situation. With Brown at left tackle, Solder could make the switch to the other side. He’s got the experience and versatility to make the move. We saw him do it to replace an injured Sebastian Vollmer in the past. It would likely be a seemingly easy transition compared to other players.
Wilson’s mobility means protecting the edge is of the utmost importance. The pair of Brown and Solder on the outside gives Wilson comfort in the pocket. The Seahawks can’t afford to give up 40+ sacks again next season.
Creating cap space wouldn’t be a problem as the Seahawks are expected to move on from veteran talents like Richard Sherman. Signing an offensive lineman isn’t sexy but it fills a huge need.