Giants left tackle Nate Solder opts out of 2020 NFL season

New York Giants left tackle Nate Solder has opted out of 2020 NFL season because of coronavirus pandemic.

Solder, who started every game for Giants past two seasons, anunced his decision on Twitter on Wednesday, citing his son’s ongoing fight with cancer, recent birth of a baby boy and his own history with cancer.

Under agreement reached last week between NFL and players’ union, players can choose t to play in 2020 without penalty. opt-out is irrevocable.

Solder said he me decision “to pause this season” after much praying. He will earn $350,000 this season as a high-risk opt out. 32-year-old was scheduled to make $6.5 million under four-year, $62 million contract he signed in 2018 after leaving New England Patriots as a free nt. deal will w run through 2022.

decision is expected to give Giants $16.5 million in salary cap .

“Our family has health concerns, most tably our son’s ongoing battle with cancer, as well as my own bout with cancer," Solder wrote. "We also welcomed a new dition to our family this spring, a baby boy. With fear and trembling, we struggle to keep our priorities in order and, for us, our children’s health and health of our neighbors comes before football.”

Giants drafted tackle Andrew Thomas of Georgia with fourth pick overall in recent draft. He probably will replace Solder at left tackle. Veteran Cam Fleming, who was signed as a free nt in offseason, and Nick Gates, who is entering his third season, probably will complete for right tackle spot.

Im credits: AP