Giants LT Solder opts out of season
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — New York Giants left tackle Nate Solder has opted out of the 2020 NFL season because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Solder, who started every game for the Giants the past two seasons, announced his decision on Twitter on Wednesday, citing his son's ongoing fight with cancer, the recent birth of a baby boy and his own history with cancer.
Under the agreement reached last week between the NFL and the players' union, players can choose not to play in 2020 without penalty. The opt-out is irrevocable.
Solder said he made the decision “to pause this season” after much praying. He will earn $350,000 this season as a high-risk opt out. The 32-year-old was scheduled to make $6.5 million under the four-year, $62 million contract he signed in 2018 after leaving the New England Patriots as a free agent. The deal will now run through 2022.
The decision is expected to give the Giants $16.5 million in salary cap space.
“Our family has health concerns, most notably our son's ongoing battle with cancer, as well as my own bout with cancer,“Solder wrote. “We also welcomed a new addition to our family this spring, a baby boy. With fear and trembling, we struggle to keep our priorities in order and, for us, our children's health and the health of our neighbors comes before football.”
The Giants drafted tackle Andrew Thomas of Georgia with the fourth pick overall in the recent draft. He probably will replace Solder at left tackle. Veteran Cam Fleming, who was signed as a free agent in the offseason, and Nick Gates, who is entering his third season, probably will complete for the right tackle spot.
The Giants decision.
“When he called today, I told him it is faith, family and football. He is doing what's best for his family,” general manager Dave Gettleman said.
New Giants coach Joe Judge spent six seasons in New England as a assistant when Solder protected quarterback Tom Brady's blind side. He spoke with Solder on Wednesday.
“We were together in New England, obviously, and he has always been a thoughtful, conscientious person,“Judge said. “Ultimately, he made this decision because it is the right thing for him and his family.”
Solder's son, Hudson, was diagnosed with a rare kidney cancer at three months old. During the Giants' bye week last season, the now 5-year-old had surgery to have a tumor removed before beginning his third round of chemotherapy.
Solder was diagnosed with testicular cancer before the 2014 season. He was treated and started all 19 games in helping the Patriots win the Super Bowl. were supportive of
Solder's
Bosa, Chargers agree to extension: Defensive end Joey Bosa has agreed to a contact extension that will make him the highest-paid defensive player in the NFL.
Two people familiar with the deal said the five-year extension is worth $135 million, which includes $78 million guaranteed at signing and $102 million overall. The people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Tuesday night because the contract has not been finalized. ESPN was the first to report on the deal.
The deal eclipses the five-year, $125-million extension that Cleveland's Myles Garrett signed two weeks ago. That contract included $100 million guaranteed for Garrett, a defensive end who was the top pick in 2017.
The Chargers confirmed Bosa agreed to the extension but did not financial terms.
Bosa was entering the fifth and final season of his rookie contract. There was some thought that he would hold out if an agreement had not been reached, but he reported to camp on Tuesday.
General manager Tom Telesco said on Monday that the Chargers were in a good position with salary cap flexibility to get extensions done. has disclose