Giants Sign LT Nate Solder to Lucrative Contract

The New York Giants lost out on the Andrew Norwell sweepstakes on Tuesday. However, that did not prevent them from making a splash in free agency.

On Wednesday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports the Giants are signing free agent left tackle Nate Solder to a four-year, $62 million contract. Solder is guaranteed $35 million, and will earn an annual salary of $15.5 million. Add that all together, and Solder is now the highest paid offensive lineman in the NFL.

It Was Only a Matter of Time

The move was a long-time coming for the Giants, who have long suffered with offensive line woes ever since 2011. The previous regime run by Jerry Reese long neglected the poor play on the line of scrimmage. The final nail in the coffin came last offseason, when Reese did not pursue Andrew Whitworth due to his age. After signing with the Los Angeles Rams, Whitworth played at a phenomenal pace, helping rejuvenate Todd Gurley and their offense. Reese was shown the door this past December.

Ereck Flowers was drafted in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft, with hopes of being their left tackle of the future. That was not to be the case, as Flowers failed to live up to the high draft choice, and was exposed by opposing defenses in each passing year.

Year after year, the Giants had a turnstile for an offensive line, which only hurt the offense, regardless of the talent.

Dave Gettleman did not want to follow Reese’s past mistakes, and ensured they would bring in a top offensive lineman. Solder fits that bill and brings a good reputation along with him.

What Solder Brings to the Giants

Stability. Enough said.

Solder has not had the prestigious individual accolades over his career. However, he makes up for it for his role on the New England Patriots. Solder has protected quarterback Tom Brady’s blindside during his first seven years in the league. As we all know, an upright Brady is a dangerous Brady. Solder’s blocking abilities played a crucial part in the Patriots winning two Super Bowls (XLIX and LI), through his 95 games started.

Now, Solder will be assigned with protecting Eli Manning’s blindside. Manning has had trouble standing on his feet for the past few seasons, being prone for sacks and early throws. Solder’s presence will be a welcome sight for Manning, who is looking to return to his winning ways in the final years of his career.

Gettleman has been adamant since being hired as the Giants’ new general manager that he wants to bring in “hog mollies.” By opening up the checkbook, he accomplished just that by locking in Nate Solder for the next four years.