Cleveland Browns: 3 players the team should pursue via trade
By Chad Porto
New York Giants – OT Nate Solder
The New York Giants should expect another off-season phone call from the Browns. Nate Solder was one of the better linemen for the New England Patriots for a few years before getting dealt to the ghastly Giants. He still has two years left on his deal at about $15.5 million a year.
The Giants are unhappy with Solder’s performance and even Solder is open to a position change. At this point, the Giants should just be happy with the removal of his contract from the roster. So nothing more than a few 6th and 7th round picks spread over a few years should be given up. He’s by no means worth a lot. In fact, a swap of players (perhaps Oliver Vernon?) and picks would be best.
Solder wouldn’t be the left tackle on the Browns, heck he might not even be the right tackle. Moving him to right guard might make sense considering in more run focused teams, you want your guards to be big enough and strong enough to move people off the line of scrimmage. Solder brings that size and strength. His footwork might be the issue and that’s a big thing needed to play tackle in the NFL.
Solder’s poor play may not be all about diminishing skill, which is good. Solder had family issues in 2019 and was dealing with significant injuries in 2018. Assuming his family is happy and healthy, and he’s happy and healthy, he might just be worth the risk. Again, not much of a risk, but still worth it.
Either way, he’s not THE ANSWER, merely AN ANSWER for the offensive line. He’d be brought in either with a first-round rookie to play the left side of the line or with Williams as upgrades via two separate trades.