After seven seasons with the New England Patriots as quarterback Tom Brady’s blindside protector, offensive lineman Nate Solder signed a massive four-year deal worth $62 million with the New York Giants. The Patriots wanted to keep Solder, but their limited salary cap room prevented them from doing it as they have other players to keep. As a sign of gratitude to the Patriots fans and the organization, Solder released a full-page ad in The Boston Globe to publish his thank you letter. In his letter, Solder said, “words cannot adequately express our family’s gratitude for everything you have done for us.” Solder appreciated the fans’ gesture, calling them amazing and their small gestures of support for me and my family the other six days of the week even better.

Solder thanked Kraft, Belichick

The offensive lineman also thanked team owner Robert Kraft and his family, coach Bill Belichick, the coaching staff and his teammates for showing him the “Patriot Way.” During his tenure with the team, Solder said he learned respect, hard work, dedication, team, and success. Solder added that they will leave New England memories, relationships, friends, and “two super nice rings too,” referring to his two Super Bowl wins with the Patriots. Until now, the Patriots have no clear plan on how to replace Solder. The team recently signed LaAdrian Waddle to a new deal, opening up the possibility that he will fill in the void left by Solder. Aside from Solder, the Patriots lost another offensive tackle when Cameron Fleming signed with the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday.

Harmon apologizes for Costa Rica incident

On Friday (March 23), Patriots safety Duron Harmon was caught in Costa Rica carrying two ounces (58 grams) of marijuana hidden in his bag, aside from three pipettes with marijuana oil, one confection of THS, and containers containing 4.3 grams of compressed marijuana. There were reports that Harmon was detained in Costa Rica, but the safety has returned to the United States.

In an Instagram post, Harmon owned up to his mistake as he expressed his “deepest regrets and sincerest apologies” to Patriots fans, teammates, coaches, Kraft family, NFL, to his friends, family, and especially his wife and two sons. Harmon promised to work hard to regain the trust and respect of everyone. Teammate Devin McCourty expressed support for Harmon, saying his teammate’s character will not be judged on one right or wrong decision.

“Keep striving to be the man God wants you to be,” McCourty told Harmon. The Patriots said they were aware of the situation and were gathering information. The NFL is also expected to punish Harmon for violating the league’s personal conduct policy.
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