Giants Offensive Tackle Nate Solder Opts Out Of 2020 Season

Giants left tackle Nate Solder becomes the first member of the team to opt-out of the 2020 season.

The 32-year-old Solder, who in 2014 battled back from testicular cancer, released a statement on his verified Twitter account explaining his decision.

“Our primary goal is to pursue God and listen to the Holy Spirit in everything we do. As hard as that can be and as daunting as what He asks us to do can seem, we have come to believe, trust, and wait on the Lord. That is why we have chosen to pause for this season,” Solder said in a statement.

“Our family has health concerns, most notably our son’s ongoing battle with cancer, as well as my own bout with cancer. 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.”

Because Solder has a previous history with cancer, which is one of the 15 medical conditions listed by the NFLPA under the “higher risk player” opt-out clause, he will receive a $350,000 stipend that will not count as an advance against any future earnings. 

“We have great respect for Nate as a person and player,” general manager Dave Gettleman said in a statement released by the team following Solder’s statement. 

“When he called today, I told him it is faith, family, and football. He is doing what’s best for his family.”

Head coach Joe Judge, who was with Solder in New England for several years, also threw his support behind the veteran.

“I spoke with Nate this morning,” Judge said. “We were together in New England, obviously, and he has always been a thoughtful, conscientious person. Ultimately, he made this decision because it is the right thing for him and his family. We support Nate and Lexi and their children (son) Hudson, (daughter) Charlie, and (son) Emerson. Our concern is for their health and well-being.”

Solder’s contract will toll to next year, meaning instead of it ending after the 2021 season, it will run through 2022 if he is still on the roster then. 

The Giants will save $9.9 million on their salary cap, Solder’s base salary, with his decision to opt-out.

Andrew Thomas, the Giants’ first-round draft pick chosen No. 4 overall in the 2020 draft, projects as the replacement for Solder at left tackle.