Bears lose run-stopping defensive tackle Eddie Goldman to opt-out, could chase Snacks Harrison

In the wake of the New England Patriots losing one of their most important defensive players to an opt-out in linebacker Dont'a Hightower, the Chicago Bears also took a hit Tuesday with the news that defensive tackle Eddie Goldman would be doing the same in a coronavirus pandemic. The league and players' union agreed to allow any player concerned about coronavirus to sit out the season.

Because Goldman isn't considered a "high-risk" player he will receive only a $150,000 stipend this year that would be deducted from his 2021 salary and Goldman does not accrue a year of service time.

Goldman, a 26-year-old second-round pick in the 2015 draft out of Florida State, has become one of the best run-stopping tackles in the league and is a big reason why the Bears have ranked Top 10 against the run in each of the past two seasons. He was a Pro Bowl alternate in 2019. Goldman has a Pro Football Focus grade of 83.7 the past two seasons, 17th among all interior defenders.

Goldman already has received his 2020 $3 million roster bonus. The Bears will get nearly $5 million in cap credit for this year and now have about $16 million in cap space. Losing Goldman makes Chicago's April signing of defensive tackle John Jenkins potentially even more important. Jenkins played for the Bears in 2017 and last season with Miami, when he had 34 tackles and a sack in 16 games. The Bears also hope to get a full season of Pro Bowl defensive tackle Akiem Hicks, who was limited to five games due to injury a year ago.

With this extra cap space, there have been rumors the Bears may try to sign free-agent defensive tackle Damon "Snacks" Harrison, a noted run-stopper in his heyday. Harrison started all 15 games he played for Detroit last season. He had 49 tackles and two sacks but was released in February.

Bears veterans arrived for training camp Tuesday at the team facility. Players have until Aug. 3 to opt out of the 2020 season. Chicago has an Over-Under win total of 8 at William Hill sportsbook, with the Under a -125 favorite on the moneyline odds.

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