KEY POINTS

  • The Atlanta Falcons have added another former Chicago Bear in Eddie Goldman
  • Ryan Pace continues to lure former Bears players to Atlanta
  • Goldman is expected to give the Falcons an added veteran presence

The Atlanta Falcons have added teeth to their defensive line, with reports of now-former Chicago Bears defensive tackle Eddie Goldman agreeing to a one-year deal.

The 28-year-old becomes the sixth former Bears player to join the Falcons’ nest, reportedly a result of former Falcons general manager Ryan Pace’s influence to take in his ex-players.

Pace was fired by the Bears after the 2021 season and then moved to the Falcons, where he is now serving as a senior executive.

Goldman was originally drafted by the Bears in 2015 in the second round.

Last season in Chicago, the former Florida State product started in 14 games and notched 22 tackles.

The one-year deal that Goldman agreed to means he will be joining other former players that played for Chicago. That list includes Germain Ifedi, Damiere Byrd, Damien Williams, Teez Tabor and Elijah Wilkinson.

Back in March, the Bears released Goldman in a move to create more cap room.

The transaction freed up $6.7 million in cap space for Chicago.

The deal also comes after the Falcons cut ties with Tyeler Davison. This means that the 28-year-old player is in line for a starting role with Atlanta alongside the likes of Anthony Rush and Vincent Taylor.

Goldman will also join Grady Jarrett as veterans on the Falcons’ defensive front in the team’s base 3-4 scheme.

Jarrett, a two-time Pro Bowl selection, is returning after signing a $51 million, three-year contract extension that continues through the 2025 season, the Sacramento Bee reported.

The Goldman pact also eases some pressure on the defensive needs of the Falcons as they lost linebacker Foye Oluokun, who moved to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The linebacker from Missouri agreed to a three-year deal worth $45 million.

Combining with Deion Jones for 300 tackles last season, Goldman will try to fill that void, at least for the coming NFL season.

Other additions to the Atlanta fold include Rashaan Evans.

Also looking to have a breakout season is Mykal Walker, someone who has yet to get a defined role.

Eddie Goldman
Eddie Goldman Getty Images | Will Newton