Ryan Poles isn’t messing around. Khalil Mack was traded 24 hours ago. Earlier today Tarik Cohen was cut. Danny Trevathan is expected to see the same happen to him in the near future. Now Eddie Goldman finds himself out of a job. At one point the big nose tackle was one of the best in the NFL at his position. A truly dominant force between 2017 and 2019. However, after a year off due to the pandemic in 2020, he wasn’t the same player when he returned last season.
When Poles took over as GM, it became apparent right away that changes were coming. This Bears regime wasn’t going to tolerate players they felt were either health hazards or weren’t 100% committed to the game of football. Goldman fell into both categories to various degrees. Now the 28-year old must find a new home. Chicago secures an additional $6 million in salary cap space, gearing up for what should be a busy next two months.
After trade attempts, the #Bears are releasing starting NT Eddie Goldman, source said. He is only 28 years old and will have a nice market.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 11, 2022
Bears staying busy, will clear $6.66M. Up to ~$35M in 2022 cap space https://t.co/eSAtj7eC8f
— Brad Spielberger, Esq. (@PFF_Brad) March 11, 2022
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This was never a big surprise.
Eddie Goldman isn’t a good fit for the new defense head coach Matt Eberflus wants to install. He’s been a 3-4 nose tackle his entire career. His ability as a one-gap player that can get up the field was always in question even back during his days at Florida State. Having him switch positions at this stage of his career didn’t feel worth the trouble. Especially not at the level of money he was being paid.
Now Poles has a little more flexibility with the offseason approaching. Over $33 million for free agency and six draft picks including three in the 2nd and 3rd rounds. It wouldn’t be a surprise if he’s not done making moves either. This GM is acting like somebody who believes the current roster isn’t going anywhere and needs an overhaul. Better to rip the bandaid off now and start accumulating resources.
