When Bears defensive line coach Jay Rodgers learned that standout nose tackle Eddie Goldman was opting out of the 2020 season, he didn’t flinch.
“We had a great conversation afterwards,” Rodgers said. “I want to keep him involved in some way. Eddie is still a part of this team and we’re gonna constantly be communicating with him all the time. He’s a big part of what we’ve been able to accomplish over the years and I understand — I understand where he’s coming from.”
Goldman, a two-time Pro Bowl alternate, and safety Jordan Lucas remained the two Bears players to sit out of the 2020 season because of the COVID-19 pandemic as the opt-out deadline passed Thursday.
Goldman’s absence will leave a void in the Bears’ defense, but the Bears defensive line depth under Rodgers figures to help alleviate the pain. Bilal Nichols, Abdullah Anderson and John Jenkins previously have worked at nose tackle in practice, and Brent Urban is working there now, Rodgers said.
“There are some guys on our team that do some things that Eddie does just as well. They just haven’t done it at that position in the middle for five years,” Rodgers said. “Through experience you learn. Eddie didn’t just arrive in his first year and have all that ability. He learned how to play the game.”
Bears defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano likewise supported Goldman’s decision.
“Luckily we’ve got good depth,” Pagano said. “We’re gonna miss Eddie, but like coach [Matt Nagy] said, ‘totally respect and understand his decision. So we support him a thousand percent. We all get it.”
