New York Giants get it right with Nate Solder
The New York Giants reportedly locked up Nate Solder on a four-year contract in a move they desperately needed to make.
The G-Men are signing Solder to a four-year deal worth $62 million, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
The numbers are staggering, but the New York Giants needed to sign Solder and did today.
General manager Dave Gettleman and head coach Pat Shurmur would not make the same mistakes that the past regime made. The Giants lost out on Andrew Norwell to the Jaguars and lost Weston Richburg to San Francisco in free agency.
The lack of production by Ereck Flowers and the old regime passing on guys like Andrew Whitworth made this a must signing. The Giants have committed to Eli Manning being the quarterback this year.
To justify keeping the veteran quarterback, the Giants had to make this move and give him some much-needed protection. The Giants couldn’t afford to let Manning take the field with an offensive line headed by guys like Flowers and John Jerry. This move gives them the flexibility to move Flowers to the right side if they choose.
Solder is a two-time Super Bowl champion and has been responsible for protecting Tom Brady’s blind side throughout his whole career. Solder will turn 30-years-old in April.
New York Giants
Gettleman preached that he wanted to bring big offensive linemen in since day one and today he proved it. Solder is 6-foot-8, 325 pounds and comes from the winning culture that is the New England Patriots.
Draft Day Implications
If the Giants missed out on all the major offensive linemen in free agency it could have completely changed their plans for the upcoming draft.
This move gives the G-Men the flexibility that you want to have when picking at No. 2. The Giants still can use more men to fix this offensive line but Solder is a good start.
Big Blue has the flexibility to draft the best quarterback if they choose. They have the ability to draft Quenton Nelson and really bulk up on the offensive line. They also have the ability to draft Saquon Barkley and go all in on the last two seasons of Manning’s career. If the Giants didn’t make a move like this, it might have been the time to completely tear down the roster.
What’s Next for the Offensive Line?
Big Blue got their big man in Nate Solder. He brings consistency and a winning culture to the Giants.
Money will be tight, but the G-Men may look to make another move to continue their offensive line overhaul.
Solder’s contract may make it unlikely for Justin Pugh to return, but it can’t be ruled out. It’s also possible that the Giants look to bring back D.J. Fluker. He showed a lot of promise last season.
The Giants may also look at other free agents on the market such as Cameron Fleming, Ryan Jensen, Jeremiah Sirles and some others.
The Giants do not have a lot of money left to spend, but signing Solder is the first step in the right direction of fixing the offensive line. It’s also the first step in extending the career of Manning.
Manning had the fifth fewest amount of time in the NFL to throw last season, according to NFL Network’s Next Gen Stats. The Patriots have been in the top 10 in fewest pressures allowed every year since Solder joined New England, except in 2015 when he missed 12 games, according to Sportsradar.
Manning struggled last year and took a lot of hits. The two-time Super Bowl MVP also showed he can still make the throws at times. Manning will have his blind side protected by Solder. He will also have great skill players like Odell Beckham Jr, Sterling Shepard, and Evan Engram.
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It remains to be seen what’s next for the Giants offense and specifically their offensive line.