Despite repeated efforts on behalf of John Dorsey, Trent Williams is likely to remain in Washington.
The Cleveland Browns need to sure-up their offensive line, and Williams offered a quick solution.
Luckily for Baker Mayfield, the search to find a reliable left tackle continues. As the saying goes, “there are plenty of other fish in sea.”
One particularly interesting LT acquisition target is D.J. Humphries, but he is seemingly not on Dorsey’s radar.
Rather than pursue cheaper alternatives, the Browns have reportedly shifted focus to Nate Solder.
If the Browns are unable to pry Trent Williams out of Washington, the other LT I hear they are interested in is Nate Solder. They've already done a lot of business with the NYG, it's worth noting
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) October 23, 2019
Ironically, Nate Solder’s current team, the New York Giants, parted ways with Olivier Vernon this offseason in exchange for Kevin Zeitler. Zeitler’s presence is deeply missed after weeks of poor offensive line performances.
Dorsey and Dave Gettleman have done business in the past, most notably for WR Odell Beckham Jr. At the very least, Gettleman will answer the phone.
The Giants are currently 2-5 through Week 7. With rookie QB Daniel Jones starting for the remainder of the season, it might be time to sell on Solder.
Solder recently signed a 4-year, 62-million-dollar contract. The Browns will have to take on most of that salary.
It is worth noting that Solder’s salary nearly doubles from 2019 to 2020. It increases from slightly over 5 million dollars to slightly under 10 million dollars, and remains the same in 2021.
In 2020, Solder is owed a 3 million dollar bonus. In 2021, that bonus increases to 4 million dollars.
All Solder’s guarantees become Giants dead cap
We pay $3.2m in 2019 ($5.4m x 10/17 = $3.2m)
Base of $9.9m in 2020/2021. March 2020 $3m guarantees then $4m in March 2021
Pick likely 2nd or 3rd due to dead cap
GRob is a cheap cuthttps://t.co/qKNugmyKXX https://t.co/rbe1vrxK2D https://t.co/NSlG8AeOxB
— Jack Duffin (@JackDuffin) October 23, 2019
If the Giants are officially entering rebuild-mode, now would be the perfect time to unload such a lopsided contract.
Solder would add much-needed playoff and Super Bowl experience to Cleveland’s team. He won two Super Bowls with the New England Patriots prior to arriving in New York.
The 31-year-old LT definitely resembles Trent Williams in many ways. This is an intelligent pivot by Dorsey, as it adds pressure to Washington’s front office. If Washington is simply playing hard to get, having an alternative in Solder increases Cleveland’s leverage.
However, with multiple highly talented players eligible for new contracts soon, this may not be the best direction for the Browns’ franchise.
Most notably, Myles Garrett is under club control in 2021.
If the money isn’t available, the Browns are in trouble.
Also due for extension by 2021 are Olivier Vernon, Chris Smith, J.C. Tretter, David Njoku, Damarious Randall, and others.
Even though the offensive line is an area of concern, trading for Solder could be a logistics nightmare.
With the trade deadline fast-approaching, Dorsey is going to have to make a decision. Baker Mayfield needs protection, but so does the Browns’ future.
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