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2018 NFL Free Agency: Early predictions for top 15 players

By Gil Alcaraz IV

LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 12: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins looks on during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at FedExField on November 12, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 12: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins looks on during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at FedExField on November 12, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /
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Nate Solder New England Patriots
Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images /

8. Nate Solder, OT, New England Patriots

2017 Salary:  $11,166,418

Where he will sign: New York Giants

More than likely, there’s going to be a huge rebuild this offseason for the New York Giants. By that, I mean head coach, quarterback and a number of other key positions could be emptied and replaced by new additions. It’s time for this franchise to clean house.

Getting rid of Ereck Flowers as the starting left tackle should be one of the top priorities. That’s why I’m predicting they’ll spend some of the cap space they should have in 2018 to sign Nate Solder away from the New England Patriots. I can assure you he’d be a huge upgrade over Flowers, in a number of ways.

Solder has dealt with struggles throughout his seven-year NFL career. He’s not perfect, that’s for sure. However, he’s a consistent, proven blindside blocker who has been entrusted with protecting Tom Brady since the Patriots spent a first-round pick on him in 2011.

Whoever is under center for the Giants needs an upgraded front five if they are to enjoy more success in 2018. Signing Solder wouldn’t necessarily be a dream come true, but he’d give the new gunslinger some solid insurance on the left side. He’s arguably the best offensive lineman scheduled to hit the market next offseason, so this would be a big win for the G-Men.

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