Report: Bears' Goldman to opt out of 2020 season

Defensive tackle Eddie Goldman has informed the Chicago Bears that he intends to opt out of the 2020 NFL campaign due to health concerns related to COVID-19, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Goldman has started 46 games at nose tackle over the last three years. A stout run defender, the former second-round pick has also amassed 12.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries across five seasons.

The 26-year-old signed a four-year contract extension with the Bears worth $42 million in 2018. He was owed $4.75 million in guarantees in 2020, but that amount will now be pushed to next year, per NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.

Goldman is a key piece in the middle of Chicago's defense next to standout interior rusher Akiem Hicks. John Jenkins and Bilal Nichols figure to help fill his gap in the starting lineup.

The defender's decision continues a trend of players opting out prior to the Aug. 4 deadline. He's the first Bears player electing not to participate in the 2020 season.

Copyright (C) 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.