Update: It's a done deal. Mike Reiss, Aaron Wilson, and Ian Rapoport have all confirmed that Solder has agreed to the contract and he should be at practice later today.
According to Ian Rapoport of the Boston Herald, the Patriots are close to an agreement with rookie offensive tackle and first round pick Nate Solder:
I’m told that Solder and the Patriots are "very close" to reaching an agreement on a four-year deal, though the specifics are not entirely clear. How many years guaranteed? I’m guessing more than three.
Anyway, Solder has been in the area awaiting the news, so he is ready to roll. With this latest development, don’t be surprised if he’s in Foxboro today for practice, rocking No. 77 and learning from LT Matt Light. And for the rookies, it’s time to play.
This is certainly good news for both sides, as the more time Solder misses, the farther he gets behind the eight-ball. Solder is currently one of only two unsigned first round draft picks remaining, and he is the Patriots sole unsigned draft pick.
The Patriots are scheduled to practice at 4:30 PM ET today, but that time is tentative, as the CBA has to be fully ratified for the new league year to begin.