Solder gets money ($62M) from Giants
PATRIOTS NOTEBOOK
Tom Brady has to watch his back. For the first time in his career, the Patriots quarterback doesn’t know who will man his blind side, as left tackle Nate Solder agreed to an historic contract yesterday to join the Giants.
Solder landed a four-year, $62 million contract that included $35 million guaranteed, according to two sources. Solder’s $15.5 million in average annual value is $2.3 million more than any lineman in the league, and no lineman had ever gotten more than $30 million guaranteed. Those two factors validated Solder’s aggressive market, and the Pats never got close enough to make Solder blink.
Now, the Patriots have to scramble to secure a backup plan, and they’re in unfamiliar territory on the heels of a remarkable run of stability with Matt Light and Solder. There isn’t anyone close to Solder’s stratosphere in free agency, so the Patriots’ best option might be to re-sign both LaAdrian Waddle and Cameron Fleming to let them compete for the job.
Each handled rotational responsibilities effectively at times over the years, so either would be a serviceable stopgap for a season while the Pats hope for Tony Garcia’s return from blood clots in his lungs or a potential new draft pick to develop. Though Bill Belichick didn’t select Light, Solder or Sebastian Vollmer with the intention of starting them from Day 1, each had strong rookie seasons upon their promotions due to injuries.
That’s why Solder’s loss stings more than the other members of the Patriots purge. Belichick knew that cornerback Malcolm Butler and running back Dion Lewis were likely goners. Both joined the Titans for big money with Butler at five years, $61 million, and $30 million guaranteed, and Lewis at four years, $23.4 million, and $11.5 million guaranteed.
Danny Amendola reportedly netted as much as $12 million in Miami. The Patriots understood his market, but hoped they’d have a chance to offer a competitive salary before dropping out of the bidding.
The Patriots can find ways to restock the losses of Butler, Lewis and Amendola. It’ll probably take a bit longer to secure Brady’s blind side though.
Burkhead signs on
The Patriots retained one of their key contributors, as running back Rex Burkhead signed a three-year contract, according to a source.
Burkhead was a key matchup piece for the offense last season with 518 yards from scrimmage and eight touchdowns, but a series of injuries limited him to 10 games.
After losing Lewis, the top running back job will be up for grabs next season. Burkhead, James White, Mike Gillislee and Brandon Bolden are all under contract.
Harrison taking his time
It doesn’t sound like James Harrison is in a rush to sign a contract. The Patriots expressed interest in re-signing him, but it’s unclear how aggressive they will be. They could address the defensive edge in other capacities, including younger free agents or the draft, before circling back with Harrison . . . .
Despite suffering two concussions that wiped out his 2017 season, linebacker Shea McClellin intends to keep playing, according to a source. McClellin is under contract for one more year . . . .
The Patriots have expressed interest in defensive end Adrian Clayborn, who might be the best pass rusher in free agency. However, it doesn’t appear they’ve made an actual offer, according to a source.