Giants Tackle Nate Solder Opts Out of 2020 NFL Season

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New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder has opted out of the 2020 NFL season.

Just as training camps are set to begin, Solder issued a statement on his verified Twitter page Wednesday, saying that he wrestled with the decision before ultimately choosing to opt out over health concerns: both his, as a testicular cancer survivor, and his son’s, in that case a years-long battle with a rare form of pediatric kidney cancer.

Solder, who is the Giants’ NFLPA player rep and thus privy to all communications regarding safety protocols, noted that he and wife Lexi also welcomed a new baby boy this spring, so ultimately, he chose to opt out to keep himself and his family safe.

The full statement:

pic.twitter.com/MnSrWmu73c

— Nate Solder (@soldernate) July 29, 2020

Solder, 32, was set to enter his third season with Big Blue after six with the Patriots, and as late as Wednesday morning was still expected to report to camp despite the family health issues, according to the New York Post, even though he did not report with the team’s veterans on Tuesday.

Instead, he has opted out, and now, Big Blue will likely turn to first-round pick Andrew Thomas to step in immediately at left tackle.

According to WFAN Giants insider Paul Dottino, Solder's contract will roll over, meaning that he still has two years left - meaning the Giants will have him for 2021 and 2022, instead of Solder hitting free agency in March 2022 as scheduled.

For those who aren't sure about the opt-out policy -- Solder's contract gets placed on hold for the season and he will still have two years left on it, starting in 2021. #Giants

— GiantsWFAN (@giantswfan) July 29, 2020

Follow Lou DiPietro on Twitter: @LouDiPietroWFAN

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