Report: Broncos among the teams interested in OT Nate Solder

According to Mike Giardi NBC Sports Boston, the Denver Broncos, the Houston Texans and the New England Patriots appear to be at “the head of the class” when it comes to free agent offensive tackle Nate Solder.

Solder is a 6’8”, 325lb offensive tackle who has played his entire career for the New England Patriots. He is now entering his 8th year in the NFL and will turn 30 years old in April.

He has been an average to an above average starting offensive tackle in the NFL during his career. According to Pro Football Focus, Solder was given a 75.7 overall grade last season and ranked as the #32 overall tackle in the NFL last season as well.

The Broncos are looking for tackle help and Solder is the best one on the market. He was born in Colorado and went to school in Colorado before being a first-round pick in the NFL Draft, some the hometown draw could come into play here.

The Broncos drafted Garett Bolles in the first-round of the 2017 NFL Draft and is the starting left tackle for the team right now. However, a signing of Solder would likely move the second-year player to the right side while allowing the veteran to play left tackle. The Broncos tackle play has been awful recently so I would be okay with this potential move if they go this route. Money, however, will always be the deciding factor here.

The Broncos appear serious about fixing their tackle situation. There are trade rumors surrounding current Miami Dolphins right tackle Ja’Wuan James and the Broncos appear to be one of the main teams involved as well. Look for veteran running back C.J. Anderson to be included in any deal with Miami for James.

How this plays out will be interesting, but better tackle play is a big need for the Broncos and these two would be instant upgrades for them.