The Chicago Bears didn’t add much to their defense this offseason. In fact, an argument can be made that they took a step back in personnel with the departure of star cornerback, Kyle Fuller.
Veteran Desmond Trufant was signed as a high-ceiling, low-floor potential replacement, and with the exception of a few mid-to-low tier signings and a seventh-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, GM Ryan Pace focused almost all of his attention on the offensive side of the ball.
But that doesn’t mean the defense won’t have at least one significant upgrade on the field in 2021: nose tackle Eddie Goldman is back after opting out of the 2020 season.
Goldman’s return and arrival at training camp have his defensive teammates, including Khalil Mack, fired up.
“He looks and smiles,” Mack said via The Athletic. “He don’t say much. It’s a great feeling to have that guy back in the building, just understanding the type of person he is, but the type of player he is as well. Anytime you’ve got Eddie G, he’s going to make life easier for you.”
Goldman is the prototype mountain in the middle of the defensive line who will eat up blocks and allow linebackers Roquan Smith and Danny Trevathan to do their job — as Mack put it — with less impediment.
As for Goldman? He’s just as excited to be back as his teammates are for his return.
“It felt good,” Goldman said. “Felt good just getting back out there with my teammates and running around and making plays.”