Solder willing to come off bench for Giants: 'Who cares who starts?'

Nate Solder is returning to a different New York Giants team than the one he last suited up for.

The veteran tackle opted out of the 2020 season due to the coronavirus pandemic and a previous bout with cancer.

When he last played in 2019, he was the starting left tackle. Since then, 2020 fourth overall draft pick Andrew Thomas has taken over the role.

As a result, Solder acknowledges he may have to come off the bench for the first time since his rookie season.

"One of the great things about coming back is just the opportunity to work with a group of guys. Who cares who starts?" Solder said to team reporter Michael Elsen.

"I just want to be a part of an excellent group that's getting better every day that plays at a really high level. I've been fortunate enough to play with some great O-lines, and nobody cares who is starting and who is not starting, because we're all part of the team and we're all necessary and we're all needed."

Solder will also be playing for a new head coach - Joe Judge was hired prior to the 2020 season. However, the two have a long history together, as Judge was a special teams coach with the New England Patriots from 2012-19 and Solder spent 2011-17 with the team.

Though he has two years left on his $62-million contract, Judge hasn't offered Solder the starter's job as he returns to the lineup.

"He said the best five are going to play," Solder said. "I've been on enough teams where there's six, seven off the bench that there's significant time, so I don't know what that's going to be. Who knows? ... I'm hoping to get some time on the field but whatever the case is going to be, I'm going to work my tail off and be the best I can to support the guys around me."

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