Houston Texans: 2018 Free Agency and Off-Season Primer

Nate Solder

Nate Solder has locked down the blindside for the greatest quarterback of all time for 7 years. He competed in four super bowls and won two while with the Patriots. Solder is a 6’8″ behemoth weighing in at 320 lbs. While he is the best LT in the game, Solder has been the definition of solid.

Unfortunately, Solder allowed a career high 51 pressures this past year. That number included seven in one game against the Chargers. I know what you’re thinking, why would we want him to protect Watson? Well, according to PFF, Solder has never graded out below 70 as a pass blocker in his entire career. He also graded as one of the best run blockers from the left tackle position in 2017.

I believe last year to be a fluke for him. Solder is just 29 years old and still has plenty of solid, at worst, years ahead of him. The Houston Texans should likely be able to get him for $8 – $10 million a year for four years due to his down year last year. This will also represent a substantial raise for him.

Right Tackle

The team also needs to figure out the right tackle position. Derek Newton is still recovering from a gruesome injury, but he may return this year. The team has Julie’n Davenport, a 4th round draft pick last year, that could take over the job if he continues to develop. The franchise could also pursue another former Patriot, Cameron Fleming to man the right tackle spot.