I have a tough time evaluating Solder. His measurables and athleticism are really astounding. I'm not sure if its because my expectations were too high for him because of these, but I had hoped he would quickly develop into a 'this is my franchise LT for the next 10 years' type of guy.
I do think he is good enough to be our starting LT and I'd like him to be here for a long time. His contract doesnt run out until after next year, but because he is young and starter worthy he might be the type of guy that you want to sign to an extension now so that you get to spread the cap hit out.
So thats why I ask the question of what do we have. Where is he today and where does he project to be in terms of the top tackles in the league? And based on that, what type of contract might it take to extend him.
Personally, I dont think he is a top 5 guy and I'm not sure if he will ever get there unless he starts taking some significant leaps forward. The top 5 tackles (in terms of cap hit) are in the $10-12M range, the next 5 are $7.3M to $8.6M, and the next 5 are $5 to $6.6M Next year Solder is on the books for $7.4M and it would be preferable to have that $7.4M be part of a long term deal.
I think a William Beaty contract might get it done with Solder. Beaty was 5yrs / $37.2M total / $12.5M signing bonus and Bushrod was 5yrs / $39.5M
I do think he is good enough to be our starting LT and I'd like him to be here for a long time. His contract doesnt run out until after next year, but because he is young and starter worthy he might be the type of guy that you want to sign to an extension now so that you get to spread the cap hit out.
So thats why I ask the question of what do we have. Where is he today and where does he project to be in terms of the top tackles in the league? And based on that, what type of contract might it take to extend him.
Personally, I dont think he is a top 5 guy and I'm not sure if he will ever get there unless he starts taking some significant leaps forward. The top 5 tackles (in terms of cap hit) are in the $10-12M range, the next 5 are $7.3M to $8.6M, and the next 5 are $5 to $6.6M Next year Solder is on the books for $7.4M and it would be preferable to have that $7.4M be part of a long term deal.
I think a William Beaty contract might get it done with Solder. Beaty was 5yrs / $37.2M total / $12.5M signing bonus and Bushrod was 5yrs / $39.5M