Roquan Smith’s contract status remains at the top of our collective mind, as he’s now missed four training camp practices, but his deal isn’t the only one on which we’re waiting. Right before free agency started back in March, NBC Sports Chicago hinted that the Chicago Bears were close to signing nose tackle Eddie Goldman to an extension.
So what’s the update? Well, how about some more of nothin’:
No official updates on any contract talks for Bears NT Eddie Goldman, says Pace. He's pleased with the progress going.
— Robert Żeglinski (@RobertZeglinski) July 19, 2018
Goldman is essentially a Day 1 starter for the Bears, having played the nose tackle position in the team’s 3-4 defense since his rookie 2015 campaign, when he started 12 of the 15 games in which he appeared. He takes up space and occupies blockers, which is an important and underrated task, and has since grown into one of the best at his position in the league, especially as a run-stuffer. That said, after coming away with 4.5 sacks in 2015, Goldman has just 4 in 21 games since.
General Manager Ryan Pace said the team was exploring extensions for Goldman in early March, as well as safety Adrian Amos. Both players figured to be in line to get some long-term security after solid 2017 seasons, but nothing of substance has been ironed out for either guy. It was a sensible idea then and remains so now, but still nothing.
Goldman and Amos are two of the best draft picks Pace has unearthed since replacing Phil Emery at the head of the organization. Both players have been solid starters at their respective positions since being drafted and both became eligible for extensions once the NFL calendar flipped to 2018. There is no hard deadline to get either deal done, but it wouldn’t be a great look if the Bears were to draft and develop two solid defenders, only to let them walk away without coming to an agreement on a long-term deal.