New York Giants left tackle Nate Solder says he will vote yes on the proposed collective bargaining agreement despite the backlash from some of the league’s star players, adding that he would also like to become a voice for those who support it.
The problem? Solder doesn’t have the social media following of an Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson or J.J. Watt — all of whom vehemently oppose the proposed CBA ratifications, including a 17th regular season game.
“Minimum salaries would go up significantly, with bumped-up benefits for current players and retired players. We’d increase the practice squad [from 10 to 14 by 2022]. Work rules would improve. I don’t think it’s perfect, but we’re making incremental gains on player health and safety. Some players have fallen victim to the thought if we turn this down, we’ll get something better. We might, but we might not. You have a couple of guys on Twitter who have millions of followers criticizing the deal. Other guys who support it might have 5,000 followers. Their voices aren’t loud. In some ways, I’m trying to be a voice for the voiceless,” Solder told NBC Sports.
Solder, who serves as the Giants’ NFLPA representative, says he’s spoken to his teammates and found that several of the players making a low or minimum salaries are in favor of the new CBA proposal, but they simply don’t have a voice when squaring off against those making the league’s highest salaries.
“I’ve asked at least 15 guys on our team, mostly minimum-salary guys or close to that, this question: ‘If you were able to make more money and get better benefits in exchange for a 17th game, would you do it?’ Everyone said yes,” Solder said. “I respect democracy, and I respect the process. The reps are passionate about doing the best for the players. A lot of guys have a fighter’s mentality to get the best deal for the most players. I respect that. But I would rather take the deal that’s presented here than put everyone in danger of not getting a deal.”
NFL player reps voted 17-14-1 last week to approve the proposed 10-year agreement with the league and it will now be presented to the full player membership to vote on, but that vote has not yet been scheduled.
