The Landry Hat
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5 options at left tackle for the Cowboys after Tyron Smith’s injury

By Brandon Martinez

Sep 22, 2019; Tampa, FL, USA;New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) blocks during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 22, 2019; Tampa, FL, USA;New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) blocks during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 26, 2021; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants head coach Joe Judge shakes hands with offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2021; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants head coach Joe Judge shakes hands with offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Nate Solder, Free Agent

A free agent option to replace Smith comes from the same draft class as him. Nate Solder has had a solid career thus far as he’s entering his age-34 season. The former first-round pick spent the first seven seasons of his career with the New England Patriots before signing with the New York Giants in 2018.

It can be argued that Solder never looked like the same player in New York as he was in New England. However, an argument can also be made that he didn’t get much help in New York in terms of the players around him.

Despite his decline in play, he still had solid seasons in 2018 and 2019 before sitting out of 2020 due to COVID-19. In 2018, PFF gave him a 76.8 pass-blocking grade, and in 2019, they gave him a 66.5 pass-blocking grade. While the quality of play lowered, he was still serviceable. He had his worst season last year, however, but that was because he was moved to right tackle. That’s a position he hadn’t played since his rookie season.

In the Cowboys’ case, they would be playing him at left tackle, where historically he has played his best. Not only would this be an upgrade over Ball, but he could certainly help first-round pick Tyler Smith get acclimated to the professional game while Tyron is working his way back onto the field.

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