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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2. New York Giants

If Solder is making the move away from New England, how about the Big Apple? The New York Giants are desperate for help on the offensive line after a horrid season in 2017. Pat Shurmur and general manager Dave Gettleman are starting a new regime. The main focus is to ensure stability on the offensive line and Solder fits the mold of exactly what the Giants are looking to add.

Former first-round pick Ereck Flowers has not developed into the player the Giants have hoped for. He’s a major liability on the left side of the line and clearly not the answer to the offensive line woes. With one year left on his rookie contract, the Giants can find Flowers’ immediate replacement by signing Solder as a free agent.

Not only can Solder protect Eli Manning’s blindside, he’s also an outside edge-setter in the run game. Holding the No. 2 overall pick puts the Giants are in a prime position to draft Penn State running back Saquon Barkley. That immediately puts emphasis on the run game, an area where Solder can contribute to heavily.

With Odell Beckham Jr. and a number of other players returning from injury, the Giants believe they have the tools to win now. They can continue that notion by signing Solder once the free agency period again.

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