Nose tackle Eddie Goldman was a no-show at Bears mandatory minicamp today. Matt Nagy told reporters that he’s talked with the veteran defensive lineman, but the head coach also noted that the absence was unexcused (per Adam Jahns of The Athletic on Twitter). Nagy said he expects Goldman to be present during July’s training camp.
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Goldman signed a four-year, $42MM extension ($25MM guaranteed) with the Bears back in 2018. That deal was set to expire following the 2022 campaign, but the deal was extended to 2023 after the veteran sat out the 2020 campaign. As part of that move, Goldman agreed to a $350K stipend during the 2020 season, and his original 2020 salary of $4.75MM was pushed to 2021. It’s unknown if Goldman’s current absence is contract related, but this wrinkle could be a potential explanation.
The 2015 second-round pick has spent his entire career with the Bears, appearing in 67 games. Prior to sitting out the 2020 season, the veteran had only missed a pair of games between the 2017 and 2019 seasons, collecting 4.5 sacks, eight tackles for loss, and eight QB hits over that span.
I don’t think any players that sat out last season are doing themselves a favor by skipping mini camps. Sounds like Eddie’s problem is his agent didn’t do a great job.
You can’t not play in forever and try to renegotiate your contract, even the most players first people have to agree that only Eddie looks poorly no matter how this ends
This is especially concerning considering none of the defensive starters outside of Roquan Smith, showed up for OTAs. (Most of the offensive starters did). Especially with a new defensive coordinator and several other new position coaches.
Good thing the Bears didn’t cut or trade Hicks. Bears are definitely counting on a big contribution from Goldman this year, but at the same time I wouldn’t be held hostage by someone who hasn’t played a game in a year and a half. He has no leverage here–he’s a good, but not great, player. Show up, ball out, get paid.