New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder has chosen not to participate in the 2020 NFL season due to concerns about the coronavirus pandemic.
He informed the Giants of his decision on Wednesday.
Solder spoke about his family’s concerns, including his son’s battle with cancer and his own battle with cancer. He also has a newborn son.
pic.twitter.com/MnSrWmu73c
– Nate Solder (@soldernate) July 29, 2020
Solder’s son, Hudson, 5, was diagnosed with a rare Wilms tumor in both kidneys at a young age. Solder sometimes missed practices last year as her son underwent cancer treatments and exams.
Solder, 32, is also a cancer survivor. He was diagnosed with testicular cancer during a routine physical exam prior to the 2014 season. He played this season for the New England Patriots.
Solder signed a four-year, $ 64 million contract with the Giants in 2018. He was expected to earn $ 13 million and have $ 19.5 million against the salary cap this year.
Players considered to be at high risk for COVID-19 can earn $ 350,000 and an accumulated NFL season if they opt out. Risk-free players may be faced with $ 150,000.
The Giants knew Solder’s withdrawal this year was a possibility. They had contingency plans in place, in part because they were tasked with tackling this offseason. Two of the Giants’ top three picks in this year’s draft were offensive tackles. They also signed veteran swing tackle Cameron Fleming as a free agent.
The Giants selected Andrew Thomas fourth overall from the University of Georgia and followed with the selection of UConn’s Matt Peart in the third round. Thomas is likely to take over now at the left tackle for Solder.
The Giants were scheduled to host an open competition this summer. It won’t happen now, but they understood Solder’s decision.
“We have great respect for Nate as a person and a player,” said general manager Dave Gettleman. “When he called today, I told him it was faith, family and football. He is doing what is best for his family.”
Solder was to be reunited with coach Joe Judge, who was an assistant in New England, where Solder spent his first seven seasons in the NFL.
“I spoke with Nate this morning,” the judge said in a prepared statement. “We were together in New England, obviously, and he’s always been a thoughtful and conscientious person. In the end, he made this decision because it was 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 their health and well-being. “
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