Solder in May restructured his contract after opting out of the 2020 season. Now 33, Solder could be a backup if he cracks the Giants' final roster, Raanan reports. With Andrew Thomas, the fourth pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, functioning as New York's blindside protector, Solder could conceivably be moved to the right side of the line. 

One month shy of his 33rd birthday, Solder is presumably taking a mammoth pay cut after he opted out of the 2020 season. He had been due to count $16.5 million against the salary cap while making $9.9 million. That was never going to happen. 2020 No. 4 overall pick Andrew Thomas is the Giants' new blindside protector, but right tackle remains a trouble spot. Solder can presumably slide in there, though he may need to win a cursory competition after sitting out. Last season's right tackle, Cameron Fleming, is headed to free agency. 

Solder reportedly hasn't spoken with the Giants about his return. He opted out of the 2020 season because he was considered a high-risk COVID-19 case. Solder, a nine-year veteran, is scheduled to make $10 million in 2021 while costing $16.5 million against the salary cap. It's no guarantee Solder returns to the Giants, who would save $6 million this season against the salary cap if Solder is released, and $10 million if they cut the veteran after June 1. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said the Giants will approach Solder about restructuring his contract. The Giants used their first round pick last year on left tackle Andrew Thomas, who corrected his early-season struggles and finished 2020 strong. Thomas was graded as Pro Football Focus' No. 27 tackle in 2020. 

Solder very reasonably opts out to protect himself and his young son, both of whom have a history with cancer. This is one of the biggest player opt outs to date, as Solder was expected to not only start at tackle but also help first-round pick Andrew Thomas adjust to his first league in the NFL. It's a notable loss for Daniel Jones in particular, as he was already under pressure on 42% of his dropbacks last season. That was the second most in the NFL. Solder was PFF's No. 46 graded offensive tackle among 98 qualifiers last season.