The Bears have had two players opt out of the 2020 season. With Thursday’s deadline looming for NFL players to declare the same because of the coronavirus, head coach Matt Nagy said Wednesday he doesn’t know for sure if the Bears will have any more.
“We have no idea,” he said. “I think right now the pulse of our team, we’re in a really good place. We’re kind of in a rhythm right now. ... I think for them, it’s just to make the best decision for them and then we fully support anybody that does that.”
Nose tackle Eddie Goldman opted out last week. Monday, safety Jordan Lucas did the same. Nagy described Goldman and Lucas as “two really good people who had to make tough decisions,” and said they have the Bears’ backing.
“If you choose to opt out,” he said, “we’re going to support you.”
Players have until 3 p.m. Thursday to opt out. Players in the high-risk category receive a $350,000 stipend when they opt out. Those who aren’t will get a $150,000 advance. In either case, the player’s contract will be paused and resume next year.
Nagy stressed that the Bears have taken every precaution in trying to ensure players stay safe while training at Halas Hall. He emphasized the importance of wearing masks. When players have not — and Nagy said it’s often been by accident — everyone else in the facility has the authority to correct them.
