EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – OCTOBER 06: New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) during the National Football League game between the New York Giants and the Minnesota Vikings on October 6, 2019 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The Cleveland Browns are pursuing help at left tackle, but is Nate Solder even an upgrade over what they have?
The Cleveland Browns have failed to meet lofty expectations so far this season, and the offensive line has been a notable flaw. They’re known to have interest in Washington Redskins left tackle Trent Williams, but according to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports the Browns are also interested in New York Giants left tackle Nate Solder as a backup plan.
Solder is in the second year of the four-year, $62 million deal he signed with the Giants, but it’s fair to say he has not been all that impressive. At 2-5 right now, the Giants should be a seller as the trade deadline approaches next Tuesday. Solder’s age, contract and playing a premium position makes him a possible trade chip that may garner some interest on the market.
The Browns have ample cap space to take on the remainder of Solder’s $12 million cap hit for this year and to keep him for the rest of his contract if they chose to. But is he even an upgrade for them as they seek to protect Baker Mayfield‘s blind side?
Pro Football Focus has current Browns’ left tackle Greg Robinson ranked No. 25 among offensive tackles so far this season. The site has Solder at No. 35 among qualified tackles. Browns right tackle Chris Hubbard is graded in the bottom-tier of offensive tackles by PFF, so if a deal is made for Solder or someone else at left tackle it would seem easy to move Robinson to the other side.
As noted by La Canfora, the Browns have done plenty of recent business with the Giants. Last offseason they did two notable deals, with wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. going to Cleveland and a swap that sent guard Kevin Zeitler to the Giants for defensive end Olivier Vernon. Solder is more a recognizable name than actual game at this point, but if the Browns get desperate enough he may be headed to Cleveland between now and next Tuesday afternoon.