The Atlanta Falcons endured a disappointing 2023 season, finishing with a 7-10 record. Meanwhile, they are now resolute in their determination to reclaim their former glory, forgetting the past struggles. This resolve led to the decision to part ways with head coach Arthur Smith and promote Raheem Morris to take the reins.
During the offseason, the Falcons prioritized fortifying their offensive arsenal, notably by acquiring Kirk Cousins from the Minnesota Vikings. Now, their focus shifts to shoring up their defense, with reports suggesting a potential reunion with Eddie Goldman.
Eddie Goldman expected to join Falcons?
The Falcons are poised to make a significant addition to their defensive line by signing retired defensive tackle Eddie Goldman, reports Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network.
This move comes after the team released second-year defensive lineman Ikenna Enechukwu. With the Falcons transitioning to a base 3-4 defense for the upcoming season, the need for a reliable nose tackle became evident. Goldman’s potential signing fills this gap and adds experience to the defensive front.
The 30-year-old initially joined the Falcons in July 2022 after an impressive seven-year tenure with the Bears. Nevertheless, his stint with Atlanta was short-lived, as he announced his retirement less than two weeks later, at just 28 years old.
The defensive tackle’s talent and experience make him an appealing prospect for the Falcons regardless of his early retirement decision. After being reinstated by the team one year later, he returned with renewed determination to continue his football career.
Unfortunately, his comeback was derailed when he did not participate in training camp and was subsequently placed on the reserve/left squad list, sidelining him for the entire 2023 season.
Now, with another opportunity on the horizon and Raheem Morris leading the team, the former Bears player is expected to revive his career with the Falcons.
Taking a closer look at Eddie Goldman’s NFL career
Eddie Goldman entered the NFL as a second-round pick in the 2015 draft by the Bears. Throughout his career in the windy city, he appeared in 81 games, starting 73 of them.
Goldman made an immediate impact as a rookie, showcasing his pass-rushing ability with 4.5 sacks and five tackles for loss in his debut season. Over his six-year stint in Chicago, he compiled impressive stats, tallying 175 total tackles, 13 sacks, and 21 quarterback hits.
His standout season came in 2018 when he recorded 40 tackles, three sacks, and five tackles for loss.
However, the vet defensive lineman’s journey hit a snag when he opted out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19 concerns. Following his return in 2021, he played in 14 games, registering 22 tackles and 0.5 sacks, before parting ways with the Bears.
Now, with a fresh start with the Atlanta Falcons, Goldman has the opportunity to rediscover his top form. If he can replicate his past performances, the Falcons could benefit greatly and potentially secure their first playoff appearance since 2017.
