Solder

robertweathers said:

Solder has played in 60 of a possible 61 games. Durability is not really an issue with him.

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Concussions are an issue with him.

Deus Irae said:

Concussions are an issue with him.

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Yep- 4 that we know of..Sheesh

Deus Irae said:

Vollmer and Solder have been subject to injury. Cannon being around as a rotational OT is a fine idea. Whether or not that is all we have here remains to be seen.

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I would think that now the team can decide what Solder is worth for 2015 and in terms of a long-term deal. If Solder doesn't sign a long-term deal with us, then the team will likely draft an OT high in the draft whether or not they keep Solder or have Vollmer start at LT.

Another is to start with Vollmer and Cannon, and expect to secure an OT early in the draft and a veteran veteran free agent for a year or two.

C: Stork
G: Connolly, Wendell, Fleming
OT: Vollmer, Cannon, draftee, veteran fa
#9 OL: could be anyone, perhaps an OG from the draft

I would hope to draft two offensive lineman, even if Solder and Connolly stay.

mgteich said:

Should the patriots pay Solder over $7.1M guaranteed for his 2015 services, with him being an UFA at the end of the 2015 season?

Barring an extension, that is the decision the team needs to make before this season ends.

To put it another way, would you sign Solder to a new $7.1M one year contact?

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Yes, he is a top 10 LT, for example The Bleacher Report has him listed as no 7 out of the top 35 LTs. Last year they listed him as no 10. I think he hasn't reached his ceiling yet. He still makes mistake but he makes adjustments in game to solve them. It's not a game after game problem. He is still young and improving.

Where the Pats usually draft it would be hard to find a better LT by drafting. It would probably cost more through FA to get a better LT. Belichick won't overpay if the talent isn't there.

I would try and sign him to a long term extension but I think he is worth 7.1m for 1 year if it comes to that.

Canuck said:

Yes, he is a top 10 LT, for example The Bleacher Report has him listed as no 7 out of the top 35 LTs. Last year they listed him as no 10. I think he hasn't reached his ceiling yet. He still makes mistake but he makes adjustments in game to solve them. It's not a game after game problem. He is still young and improving.

Where the Pats usually draft it would be hard to find a better LT by drafting. It would probably cost more through FA to get a better LT. Belichick won't overpay if the talent isn't there.

I would try and sign him to a long term extension but I think he is worth 7.1m for 1 year if it comes to that.

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Agreed. There is a great deal of overreaction with regard to Solder. Picking up that option was the easiest offseason move the team made and it him returning looked like a layup less than a month ago. I know he struggled against GB and SD, but $7mm is a discount for a single year for someone with Solder's overall body of work.

mgteich said:

Should the patriots pay Solder over $7.1M guaranteed for his 2015 services, with him being an UFA at the end of the 2015 season?

Barring an extension, that is the decision the team needs to make before this season ends.

To put it another way, would you sign Solder to a new $7.1M one year contact?

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hell no, he has been a turnstile this year.

Boston Boxer said:

hell no, he has been a turnstile this year.

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You would prefer to promote Devey instead ?!?

AzPatsFan said:

You would prefer to promote Devey instead ?!?

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Is that your only alternative to Solder? There at least several others
1) Vollmer
2) Cannon
3) a 1st or second round draft pick
4) a veteran at a cost less than $7.4M

mgteich said:

Should the patriots pay Solder over $7.1M guaranteed for his 2015 services, with him being an UFA at the end of the 2015 season?

Barring an extension, that is the decision the team needs to make before this season ends.

To put it another way, would you sign Solder to a new $7.1M one year contact?

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Solder will probably be re-structured with an extension. Just like they have done for several people..

DaBruinz said:

Solder will probably be re-structured with an extension. Just like they have done for several people..

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That is certainly my choice. One issue is Solder's agent.

The question in my mind is whether the team will be willing to go into the new season year with Solder on the books at a guaranteed $7.4M. At that point, all the cards go to Solder who would have much less incentive to sign a long-term deal than before the season begins.

Solder's money isn't that bad. If you combine Solder and Vollmer's numbers next year, you're looking at about $13.7m in cap space, and less than $10m in real money. Toss Cannon (and Fleming or a rookie) into that mix, and you're still not overpaying for the OT position.

Why would you combine solder and Vollmer salary? Did they combine mankins and Wendell's when they traded him? If he's mediocre and a concussion away from ir or retirement then that's a problem at 7m even for one year.

kennyb said:

Why would you combine solder and Vollmer salary?

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To analyze investment totals in the position.

kennyb said:

Did they combine mankins and Wendell's when they traded him? If he's mediocre and a concussion away from ir or retirement then that's a problem at 7m even for one year.

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Since we don't know his concussion situation, we can't really do much about it. As for medocrity, even average LTs make good money.

This thread makes me yearn for the Annual Matt Light SucksThreads

Solder is, or has played, better than he has this season.

Was he playing above his own talent level or is he having an off season? DMC is a 2x all pro, one of the rare all pro's at multiple positions, but look at his 2011 season, not pretty.

He's had a few injuries, mostly head related, and for most of his struggles he had a revolving door at LG next to him. He's played better recently but he still struggles with a type of player. Most OL have a type the struggle with, speed guys wreck Solder, Matt Light wasn't perfect either.

I think he's worth the money he's currently due next season as long as the OL stays stable. The Elite LTs are making a lot more than 7.4m, and he has been labeled as elite for somewhat recent stretches of his career.

Sometimes good players have off seasons. I think he is and will continue to be a good player and I'd much rather Solder over an unknown at LT.

Seems to me solder has had some technical issues,waist bending, wide hand placement, elbows too far from the body and poor footwork.

In general sloppy technique and heavy feet. I think solder is playing poorly this year due to a lingering injury in the shoulder region if I had to guess, judging by how he is being beat.