The Bears are cutting defensive tackle Eddie Goldman, who becomes the second salary cap casualty of the offseason for new general manager Ryan Poles.
The move comes just one day after the Bears traded star pass rusher Khalil Mack to the Los Angeles Chargers for a 2022 second-round selection and a 2023 sixth-round pick. Also on Friday, Adam Schefter reported the Bears are cutting running back Tarik Cohen with an injury designation.
Goldman’s release doesn’t come as much of a surprise given his massive $11.8 million cap hit and the switch to a 4-3 scheme under new head coach Matt Eberflus. Coupled with his down year, this was an easy decision for Poles after he couldn’t find a trade partner.
If Goldman’s release isn’t a post-June 1 cut, it’ll free up $6.7 million in cap savings and cost $5.2 million in dead money. The Bears were already over $40 million in dead money for the 2022 season, and this adds to that. If it is a post-June 1 cut, it would only cost Chicago around $3 million in dead money and free up $8.9 million in cap space.
The Bears currently have around $35 million in cap space for the 2022 season with other potential cuts and free agency just around the corner.
But just like the Mack trade and Cohen release, this move is about building for the future. Not only does it get another bad contract off the books in 2022, but it allows for more salary cap flexibility for the future.
Looking ahead to the 2023 season, the Bears get an additional $11.3 million in cap space after Goldman’s release. Right now, they’re looking at around $146.79 in cap space for the 2023 season, according to Pro Football Focus’ Anthony Treash. That also includes an expected release of linebacker Danny Trevathan.
While there are only 16 players currently under contract in 2023, it allows Poles plenty of freedom to build his roster moving forward.
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