NFL free agency update: Nate Solder to sign with the New York Giants
By Joe Romano
The New York Giants are addressing the team’s biggest weakness by signing former New England Patriots tackle Nate Solder.
The New York Giants were able to grab one of their top free agent targets by signing former New England Patriots left tackle Nate Solder. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported the deal early Wednesday.
Getting Solder is a huge piece of the Giants offseason plans. It allows the team to move on from the disappointment of former first-round pick Erick Flowers. Multiple outlets had the Giants in the lead for the entirety of the free agency process. Their biggest competition came from the Houston Texans and Solder’s former team, the Patriots.
Solder was the top tackle on the market. This is a weak free agency class at the position and the Giants were desperate for an upgrade.
Contract Details
New York will make Solder the NFL’s highest-paid tackle. The soon-to-be 30-year-old will get a four-year, $62 million deal, with $35 million guaranteed, according to Rapoport.
The Giants were priced out of guard Andrew Norwell’s rate when he signed with the Jaguars early Tuesday morning. New York needed to up the ante and out price the cash strapped Patriots and cash flush Texans.
National Reaction
Grade
Nate Solder was the top tackle on the market. The contact may be a slight overpay for a solid but not elite player at the position. Left tackle is one of the top positions of priority in the NFL especially with a pass-happy team like the Giants. New York had to make a move for line help, even if it is an overpay. Solder was protected in New England’s offense with quick passes and Brady’s intelligence at the line. It will be interesting to see how this contract looks in two years.
Grade: A-