When Bears defensive line coach Jay Rodgers learned that standout nose tackle Eddie Goldman was opting out of the 2020 season, he didn’t flinch.
“We had a great conversation afterwards,” Rodgers said. “I want to keep him involved in some way. Eddie is still a part of this team and we’re gonna constantly be communicating with him all the time. He’s a big part of what we’ve been able to accomplish over the years and I understand — I understand where he’s coming from.”
Goldman, a two-time Pro Bowl alternate, and safety Jordan Lucas remained the two Bears players to sit out of the 2020 season because of the COVID-19 pandemic as the opt-out deadline passed Thursday.