The Chicago Bears suffered their first big blow of the year with nose tackle Eddie Goldman choosing to opt out of the 2020 season due to health and safety concerns surrounding COVID-19.
The loss of Goldman is a huge one for the Bears defense, as he known for doing a lot of the dirty work in the trenches that often goes unnoticed. Goldman was an integral part of Chicago’s success in stopping opposing running backs. Now, the Bears have big shoes to fill heading into the 2020 season.
Let’s take a look at three players — currently on the roster or current free agents — that could replace Goldman in 2020.
1. Damon Harrison
If the Bears decide to explore free agency for Goldman’s replacement, there’s no better nose tackle on the market than Damon Harrison. Harrison has played in several defensive schemes, but he continues to prove why he’s one of the best run-stuffing nose tackles in the league. According to Pro Football Focus, Harrison has led all defensive tackles in run-stop percentage in each of the last four seasons.
Chicago currently has around $16 million in salary cap space — factoring in Goldman’s salary cap credit — according to OverTheCap. The Bears could surely bring Harrison in one a reasonable one-year deal in Goldman’s absence, should they choose to look elsewhere for Goldman’s replacement.
2. John Jenkins
John Jenkins is the clear-cut favorite to take over for Goldman at nose tackle in 2020. The Bears signed Jenkins to a one-year, $1 million deal earlier this offseason, which marks Jenkins’ second stint in Chicago. When Jenkins played for the Bears in 2017, he recorded eight tackles in eight games, including one start. Jenkins was expected to compete as Goldman’s backup in training camp before Goldman opted out of the 2020 season.
Last season with the Miami Dolphins, Jenkins played in all 16 games, including five starts, where he recorded 34 tackles and one sack. If the Bears choose to look in-house for Goldman’s replacement, Jenkins figures to be the guy at this point.
3. Lee Autry
While the loss of Goldman is huge for this Bears defense, undrafted rookie free agent Lee Autry has an opportunity to step up heading into training camp. Autry, who was ranked as the second-best junior collegiate defensive tackle by ESPN, recorded 23 tackles, including 2.5 tackles for loss, and half a sack in 18 games for Mississippi State.
Sure, it would be a nice story, but it’s not likely that Autry earns the starting nose tackle as a rookie. But his chances of making the roster and seeing increased reps are certainly better. Still, he’s an option.
