Report: Bears' Eddie Goldman Opts out of 2020 NFL Season over COVID-19 Concerns

Chicago Bears defensive tackle Eddie Goldman has reportedly informed the team he's opting out of the 2020 NFL season because of health concerns surrounding the coronavirus pandemic. 

Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reported the news Tuesday.

Goldman has been a starter for the Bears since they selected him in the second round of the 2015 draft.

The 26-year-old Florida State product recorded 29 total tackles and a sack in 15 appearances during the 2019 season. He's tallied 12.5 sacks in 67 career games across five seasons.

He signed a four-year, $42 million contract extension with Chicago in September 2018. He was scheduled to earn $7.85 million in total cash for the 2020 season, per Spotrac.

Bears outside linebacker Khalil Mack praised Goldman last September.

"He does his job; he's one of the best at it," Mack told reporters. "Eddie does the dirty work, and he makes his plays, and he doesn't seek anything. You know what he does and his impact on the game. A lot of people don't really understand the game from that point of view. But he's one of the best."

John Jenkins figures to get the first crack at taking over a starting job alongside Akiem Hicks and Bilal Nichols on Chicago's defensive line. Roy Robertson-Harris and Brent Urban are other reserve options who should see an increase in playing time.

The Bears are scheduled to open the regular season Sept. 13 on the road against the Detroit Lions.