NFL Free Agency: Nate Solder being pursued by Browns
NFL Free Agency: According to reports, the market for offensive tackle Nate Solder is robust, and the Cleveland Browns are in pursuit…
Just as things seem to be turning around for the Cleveland Browns, they may not have one of the best players in franchise history there to see it. As such, the Browns may be attempting to steal a left tackle from the New England Patriots to replace him.
According to some reports, the Browns are trying to lure free agent left tackle Nate Solder away from the Patriots and bring him to the rebuilding process happening in Cleveland.
The Browns can probably offer Solder more money than anyone involved in acquiring him at this point…
Source says Browns are making a big run at Nate Solder to replace Joe Thomas at left tackle. Patriots are going to have some stiff competition. Browns have a ton of money to play with
— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) March 13, 2018
As I am typing this up, the Browns made a deal for former Steelers offensive lineman Chris Hubbard, paying him a really nice chunk of cash to come be part of their offensive line.
The #Browns are expected to sign OT Chris Hubbard to a 5-year deal worth $37.5M with nearly $18M guaranteed, source said. More help up front for Cleveland.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2018
The Browns needed a starting right tackle regardless of what happened with Joe Thomas, but if he is indeed going to retire, the Browns will need a starting left tackle as well. They signed swing tackle Donald Stephenson to a one-year, $2.5 million contract, but they won’t want him in the starting lineup unless it’s in case of emergency.
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I don’t think they’re going to have Hubbard protecting their quarterback’s blind side either.
The Browns’ pursuit of Solder will undoubtedly make it difficult for him to pass up their offer. Like I said, Cleveland has the most money easily of any team pursuing him.
Prior to the acquisitions they made recently, it would have seemed impossible that the Browns could sign a player like Solder away from the Patriots, but they have something interesting brewing there.
If Joe Thomas is truly going to call it a career, Solder would be a very nice replacement. Will the Browns be aggressive enough to get him out of New England?