3. Signing OL Nate Solder
Gettleman loved Hog Mollies, yet somehow he never put one on the Giants actual roster. Nate Solder signed a four-year, $62 million contract in 2018, one of the first acts of the Gettleman era. How did that turn out for him?
Solder was just 29 years old and was regarded as one of the best tackles in football when he signed with Big Blue. If GMs have learned tough lessons, it should be that when the Patriots let someone go, do not sign them, as they have nothing left in the tank. Solder embodied that. He quickly went from an elite tackle to an unplayable tackle.
In 2018, Solder allowed seven sacks, tied for ninth most in the NFL. In 2019, Solder allowed 11 sacks, the third-most in the NFL. In 2021, Solder allowed six sacks, tied for 14th most in the NFL. It did not matter what quarterback played behind Solder, he was going to let them get hit. He was one of the biggest busts in team history. Speaking of busts…