After enduring an emotionally challenging campaign in 2019 and then opting out last season due to COVID-19, veteran tackle Nate Solder is back with the New York Giants in a new role.
No longer the starting left tackle, having been supplanted by Andrew Thomas, Solder will compete with Matt Peart and others to start at the right tackle position.
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In the end however, Solder really doesn’t care who starts and is instead just thankful for the opportunity to be back.
“There’s so many factors involved with [returning] but I’m just thankful they gave me the opportunity to come back. There’s no guarantees with that. And the other thing was just excitement. I was excited to comeback, I was ready to come back and those were the determining factors,” Solder told reporters on Wednesday. “One of the great things about coming back is just the opportunity to work with a group of guys. Who cares who starts?
“I just want to be a part of an excellent group that’s getting better every day that plays at a really high level and I’ve been fortunate enough to play with some great O-Lines, and … nobody cares who is starting and who is not starting because we’re all part of the team and we’re all necessary and we’re all needed. So, if I can encourage, protect, guide, lead and compete, whatever it takes, I’m here to do it.”
One of the factors at play in Solder’s return was his bloated salary. The 33-year-old ended up taking a significant pay cut to get himself back through the front door in East Rutherford.
Another concern was the shape Solder would be in upon his return. After a year away from the game, he is a bit skinnier but managed to keep up on his pass sets and workouts while at home.
“Well, I haven’t played much football until the last couple weeks so that’s been a little different. But I did a few things. I was in my backyard doing pass sets and I got a weight set down in my basement, stuff like that,” Solder said. “It’s been different, and as like everyone, you know, it’s a little transition back here into regular life again, but it’s nice to get back in the weight room with all the guys and back on the field and I’m getting better every day as much as I can.
“I still feel fresh. I’m as fast and strong as I feel like I have ever been. . . I’m not too much [lighter in weight] than I was before, which is a little bit shocking to me. But it’s good. I’m working hard.”
Whether Solder earns a starting role or not, head coach Joe Judge is just happy to have him back in the locker room.
“He’s been great with the guys. He’s obviously an older guy, brings a lot of experience, and he’s been a good voice in the room as the entire offensive line has had great communication with Rob (Sale), Ben (Wilkerson), Pat (Flaherty), Freddie (Kitchens) and all those guys been working together. I’ve been very pleased with how that entire unit of players and coaches have been working and the progress they’re building towards right now,” Judge said last week.
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