Nate Solder rumors: 5 best fits in NFL free agency

FOXBOROUGH, MA - DECEMBER 24: New England Patriots tackle Nate Solder (77) during the National Football League game between the New England Patriots and the New York Jets on December 24, 2016, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA. The New England Patriots defeat the New York Jets 41-3. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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4. New England Patriots

It’s extremely unlikely the Patriots franchise tag Solder but that doesn’t mean a new contract isn’t warranted. By all accounts, the team will do their best to bring Solder back. Tom Brady is entering the final window of his career and is a fragile commodity at 40-years old. With no real future quarterback in waiting right now, he’s their best and only option to win. You can bet Bill Belichick is doing what he can to secure Solder as the franchise left tackle for the foreseeable future.

There’s a reason the Patriots have kept Solder around for seven seasons. Exercising his fifth-year option and signing him to an extension soon after was no coincidence. He’s as tough as they come on the offensive line. After being diagnosed with testicular cancer before the 2014 season, Solder went on to start all 16 games with the Patriots that season. He’s only affected by injuries in really one season and having that continuity on the offensive line is a huge advantage.

The biggest battle for Bill Belichick is creating the cap space to sign Solder. He’s won his Super Bowls and had a wealth of success but I can’t see him taking a hometown discount. If there’s any advantage to the Patriots, it’s that Solder could only warrant a two or three-year deal. That gives room to restructure money to make cap space work.

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