The One Contract Holding Back the New York Giants

Like clockwork, some dopey team annually overpays a former New England Patriots star, only for that player to inevitably struggle away from the razor-sharp mind of Bill Belichick and disappoint in his new city.

In 2018, the New York Giants signed former Patriots left tackle Nate Solder to a four-year, $62 million contract. Without Dante Scarnecchia coaching him up, all of his talent seemingly evaporated.

Solder allowed an astonishing 11 sacks last season. He looks nothing like the player he did in New England. He looks slower, softer, and less aggressive, and his contract weighs on the Giants' books like an anchor.

The Giants drafted Andrew Thomas fourth overall in 2020 with the expectation that he will play right tackle, but his experience as a left tackle at Georgia and the selection of UConn's Matt Peart in the third round suggests that the Giants will try to get rid of Solder, move Thomas to LT, and start Peart at RT should the finances work out in their favor.

Solder has not only been a colossal disappointment, but he's been a colossal disappointment that is costing the Giants almost $20 million this season, making him the second most expensive tackle in football. The sooner they move off of his contract, the better for all parties involved.