Pair of NFC North defensive linemen opt out of 2020 NFL season

The Green Bay Packers won’t see two of the best defensive linemen in the NFC North during the 2020 season.

Eddie Goldman of the Chicago Bears and Michael Pierce of the Minnesota Vikings both elected to opt out of the 2020 NFL season due to health concerns regarding the coronavirus pandemic.

From Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network:

Sources: #Bears standout DT Eddie Goldman has informed the team he plans to opt out due to health concerns related to COVID-19. Goldman has been a standout in the middle of Chicago’s D since 2015.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 28, 2020

#Vikings NT Michael Pierce is opting out of the 2020 season, sources tell me and @MikeGarafolo. Minnesota’s only big-ticket free agent this year leaves a hole up front on defense.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 28, 2020

Goldman, a nose tackle, has been a starter for the Bears defensive line since the 2015 season. Pierce, a terrific run stopper, signed a three-year deal to join the Vikings in free agency.

Players were given the opportunity to opt out of the 2020 season after the NFL and NFLPA agreed to an amended collective bargaining agreement on July 24.

Any player opting out will be eligible for a $150,000 stipend. High risk players, such as Pierce, are eligible for a $350,000 stipend.

As of early Tuesday, 20 NFL players have already opted out of this season. No member of the Packers has opted out.