If there’s one word to describe the NFL in 2020, it’s uncertainty. Uncertainty surrounding the regular season. Uncertainty surrounding the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in the game.
One of the options that’s been put on the table has been an opt-out option, where players can forgo the 2020 season in exchange for a stipend. There’s been a lot of discussion surrounding the NFL’s opt-out deadline, specifically when the deadline would finally be set.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the NFL and NFLPA have agreed to set the opt-out deadline for this Thursday at 3 p.m. ET.
There have been nearly 50 players that have elected to opt out. The Bears have already had two players opt out for the 2020 season: Nose tackle Eddie Goldman and safety Jordan Lucas.
Goldman’s opt-out is a brutal blow to Chicago’s defensive line. But general manager Ryan Pace believes in the players on the roster to step up in his absence. John Jenkins is the in-house candidate to replace Goldman, although the Bears could certainly turn to free agency for his replacement.
With Lucas’ decision to opt out, that leaves Tashaun Gipson and Deon Bush to battle for the starting strong safety job opposite two-time Pro Bowler Eddie Jackson.
Last week, Pace told the media that he didn’t expect any other players to opt out after Goldman. Although Lucas has been the lone exception.
