Despite some rumblings to the contrary, New England Patriots left tackle Nate Solder intends to continue his NFL career in 2018, according to a report from Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald.
“The Patriots left tackle does indeed plan to continue playing football next season and beyond, according to sources,” Howe wrote Thursday. “There had been speculation that Solder could retire to spend more time with his family, as his son continues to battle cancer.”
The bigger question is whether Solder will remain with the Patriots. The 29-year-old is set to hit free agency March 14, and if he does not re-sign with New England before then, he would be the best tackle available in a relatively weak free agent class.
Howe, who reported the market for Solder is expected to be “huge,” speculated his next contract could feature an average annual value north of $12 million. Solder’s last deal was a two-year, $20 million contract extension signed just before the 2015 season.
Solder has been the Patriots’ starting left tackle since 2012, and the lack of depth at the position makes him the team’s most important impending free agent. Right tackle Marcus Cannon is signed through 2021, but top backups LaAdrian Waddle and Cameron Fleming both are set to hit the open market, and the other tackles the Patriots have under contract have a combined zero games of NFL experience.
Per Howe’s sources, Solder and the Patriots have not begun contract talks.
