The Chicago Bears are 2-0, but they aren’t fooled by anything they’ve seen. This team is still a work in progress. They have a number of issues to iron out if they’re going to hang with some of the top teams in the NFL. One particular problem they can’t ignore is the growing concerns with the state of their nose tackle position.
For the past five seasons, they never had to worry about it. Eddie Goldman was one of the best in the NFL at that spot on defense. Then COVID-19 happened. Fearing the virus could seriously affect him given his size and prior health issues, the 26-year old chose to opt out of playing in 2020. That left the Bears in a major bind.
Thus far they’ve tried to make do with the tandem approach of Bilal Nichols and longtime veteran John Jenkins. The results have been mixed at best. Yet even this is no longer possible as Jenkins just went on IR with a thumb injury.
That might explain why the team quietly remains in contact with one of the top free agents still available according to ESPN.
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“Defensive tackle Damon Harrison, who openly contemplated retirement after last season, has decided to play this season and is scheduled to visit next week with the Seattle Seahawks, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The 31-year-old Harrison, a 2016 first-team All-Pro, also has received interest from the Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers and Cincinnati Bengals, the source told Schefter.”
Chicago Bears need to ramp up their push for “Snacks”
Damon Harrison may not have star power, but he has definite value. While not a premier interior pass rusher, he’s viewed by many as one of the best run-stuffing defensive tackles in the game. He proved that in New York and again in Detroit. How vital is he? The Lions had the 21st run defense last season. Through two weeks they already rank 32nd. That is how notable his loss in the middle has been.
It was wondered why the man known as “Snacks” hadn’t signed. Many thought his asking price was too high. In reality, it seems he wasn’t entirely sold on playing this season. No doubt because he has a family and COVID-19 concerns as well. As results come out showing the league is doing well protecting its players so far, it seems he’s ready to return.
Right now Seattle has the upper hand getting his first official visit. That said, it sounds like the Bears are at least involved. If they could find a way to land Harrison, they might have the best possible solution to losing Goldman they’ll find this year.