The New England Patriots fell just shy of repeating as Super Bowl champions in a disappointing loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII. This has pushed forth the possible necessity of shaking some of the roster personnel up in order to get back on top in the 2018 campaign.
This effort could foresee the front office making some notable changes on the offensive side of the ball with a few key players set to hit the open market. According to Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald, the Patriots may let their starting left tackle Nate Solder depart in free agency due to what could become a bidding war for his services.
Nate Solder, who has no plans to retire, is far and away the best left tackle on the market, and he is one of the best at his position to hit free agency over the past few years. Because of that, there’s a belief that he’ll receive offers north of $12 million annually, according to sources.
If the Patriots lose Solder, LaAdrian Waddle or Cameron Fleming will likely be the top candidates to take his place protecting Tom Brady's blindside.
The 29-year-old has developed into one of the better left tackles in the league over the last few seasons, which should help him earn several lucrative contract offers in free agency. Solder has just completed a two-year, $20 million deal that was a notable step down in pay that he could have certainly received elsewhere.
New England has had a history of letting players go when the asking price becomes too steep and there likely won't be another hometown discount coming from the veteran lineman. He is set to head into the eighth season of his career that will push him into his 30s, and this next deal is likely his best chance to cash in while he's still playing at a high level.
If the Patriots do allow for Solder to test the market, the team will look to intensify their efforts in retaining veteran running back Dion Lewis and wide receiver Danny Amendola behind their $19.4 million in salary cap space.
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