4 options for the Cowboys at swing tackle other than Josh Ball

3. Nate Solder

There was a time when Nate Solder was one of the hottest names in the free agency market. A second-round pick from Colorado in 2011 (the same year the Cowboys took Tyron Smith out of USC), Solder spent the first seven seasons of his career with the New England Patriots where he helped them win two Super Bowls while blocking for Tom Brady.

He then hit free agency in 2018 and signed a four-year $62 million deal with the New York Giants. Solder would start 48 games in four seasons (he sat out in 2020 due to COVID-19 concerns) but was never close to the player New York expected him to be.

Solder signed a new deal with the Giants in 2021, which allowed him to become a free agent after the season. There was a time when it sounded as though he would retire, but he has not done so yet so he could be convinced to join a team for the coming season.

Even with his struggles, Dallas should consider giving him a home for the year. Solder not only has experience at both left and right tackle but also did a decent job in run-blocking last season. He wouldn’t be called upon to start every game but is a savvy veteran who would be an upgrade over Ball.