Giants’ Solder opts out over health

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 32year-old was scheduled to make $6.5 million under the four-year, $62 million contract he signed in 2018.

“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.”

Steelers

Cornerback Justin Layne was placed on the reserve COVID-19 list. He is the second Steelers player to go on the list. Cornerback Arroin Springs was placed on the list earlier this week. Layne, who is entering his second season, was drafted in the third round of the 2019 draft. He is expected to be the top backup at corner this season after Artie Burns left the team as a free agent.

Vikings

Minnesota put three more players, including defensive end Ifeadi Odenigbo, on their reserve list for COVID-19. Linebacker Cameron Smith and offensive tackle Oli Udoh also were placed on COVID-19 reserve, bringing the team’s total on the list to seven players. Smith and Udoh were 2019 draft picks. Odenigbo is in line to take over as a starter, with the departure of 10-year veteran Everson Griffen.

49ers

General manager John Lynch has agreed to a new five-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers that will keep him locked up through the 2024 season.