EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — 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 32-year-old was scheduled to make $6.5 million under the four-year, $62 million contract he signed in 2018 after leaving the New England Patriots as a free agent. The deal will now run through 2022.
The decision is expected to give the Giants $16.5 million in salary cap space.
“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.”
The Giants drafted tackle Andrew Thomas of Georgia with the fourth pick overall in the recent draft. He probably will replace Solder at left tackle. Veteran Cam Fleming, who was signed as a free agent in the offseason, and Nick Gates, who is entering his third season, probably will complete for the right tackle spot.
The Giants were supportive of Solder’s decision.
“When he called today, I told him it is faith, family and football. He is doing what’s best for his family,” General Manager Dave Gettleman said.
New Giants coach Joe Judge spent six seasons in New England as a assistant when Solder protected quarterback Tom Brady’s blind side. He spoke with Solder on Wednesday.
“We were together in New England, obviously, and he has always been a thoughtful, conscientious person,” Judge said. “Ultimately, he made this decision because it is the right thing for him and his family.”
Solder’s son, Hudson, was diagnosed with a rare kidney cancer at three months old. During the Giants’ bye week last season, the now 5-year-old had surgery to have a tumor removed before beginning his third round of chemotherapy.
Solder was diagnosed with testicular cancer before the 2014 season. He was treated and started all 19 games in helping the Patriots win the Super Bowl.
49ERS: GM John Lynch has agreed to a new five-year contract with San Francisco that will keep him locked up through the 2024 season.
A person familiar with the deal says the sides agreed to replace the original six-year contract Lynch signed in 2017. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the contract hadn’t been announced. NFL Network first reported the deal.
The new deal for Lynch comes about six weeks after Coach Kyle Shanahan replaced his original six-year deal signed in 2017 with a new six-year contract that takes him through 2025.
CHIEFS: Running back Damien Williams, whose strong postseason helped Kansas City to its first Super Bowl championship in 50 years, is opting out of playing the upcoming season.
The 28-year-old Williams had 290 yards and six touchdowns in three postseason games – two TDs in the Super Bowl – for the Chiefs. He has been plagued by injuries in his six pro seasons, and rushed for 498 yards and five touchdowns on 111 carries during the regular season.
Chiefs GM Brett Veach said in a statement:
“As an organization, we certainly understand and respect Damien’s choice, knowing it was made in the best interest of his family. He means a lot to our football team as a player and a person, and we’re going to miss having him around this season.”
FALCONS: Atlanta placed fullback Keith Smith and safety Jamal Carter on the team’s reserve/COVID-19 list.
Teams are not disclosing if players test positive for the coronavirus or are placed in quarantine.
EAGLES: Philadelphia placed three-time Pro Bowl right tackle Lane Johnson, linebacker Nathan Gerry, and tackle Jordan Mailata on the Reserve/COVID-19 list.
The team is not disclosing if any of the players tested positive or were exposed to someone who has been infected with the new coronavirus.
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