Concerns have refused to go away regarding the status of Eddie Goldman for weeks now. After the star Chicago Bears nose tackle opted out of playing in 2020, it was hoped he’d be ready for a return this year. Then the 27-year old chose to not only skip OTAs but mandatory minicamps as well. This led to rampant speculation about what the problem could be. Was he planning to opt out again, or even worse, retire?
His ongoing silence wasn’t helping matters. Thankfully the opt out deadline passed without him choosing to step away again. So what of the retirement talk? Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune heard from people saying it might be a possibility. So one can imagine the relief felt when Goldman resurfaced on social media via the Instagram of Spear Training Center. For those curious what that means? The center is located in Vernon Hills.
That means Goldman was just 15 minutes away from Halas Hall.
This is a surefire sign that Goldman is likely to play in 2021. Not just because he’s staying in shape but also because he is back in the vicinity of his teammates. Would somebody who is planning to retire be doing this with just a couple of weeks to go until training camp begins? Probably not. So while anything can still happen, fans can breathe a small sigh of relief that the nose tackle will be present and accounted for by the end of this month.
His return should be a major boon for the defense. Particularly against the run. Something that was a persistent issue most of last season.
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
Eddie Goldman does have some things to prove
He hasn’t played a football game since December of 2019. That is a long time to go without feeling the contact and going at top speed. Is his body ready to resume that level of physicality or will rust be a factor? That is for defensive coordinator Sean Desai to determine. Goldman appears to be in shape and ready for the grind to come. Here is hoping he doesn’t get cold feet at the last minute.
Presuming they get the player from two years ago? The Bears’ front seven should be one of the best in the NFL. Health permitting of course. Akiem Hicks is still a force at defensive end and Bilal Nichols is coming into his own after a strong 2020. Roquan Smith is an emerging star at inside linebacker.
Khalil Mack?
Not much needs to be said. If Eddie Goldman resumes clogging up running lanes, everything gets easier. Hicks and Nichols can focus more on their pass rush assignments. Smith and Danny Trevathan should have fewer offensive linemen in their faces when trying to make tackles. For all the talk about nose tackles lacking importance, the truth is different. The Bears are a different defense when Goldman plays at his best.
His return could play a much bigger part in their success than people think this season. Here is hoping the retirement talk doesn’t come back for a long time.
