The Atlanta Falcons bolstered their defensive line this offseason by signing Calais Campbell, David Onyemata and Eddie Goldman. Unfortunately for Atlanta, it could lose one of its top free-agent additions to retirement just days into training camp.
Atlanta’s defensive line has been one of the worst in the NFL over the last two seasons. In 2022 alone, the Falcons’ defense ranked last in pressure rate (14.6 percent), recorded the second-fewest sacks (21) and it allowed the 10th-most rushing yards per game (130.2).
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- Eddie Goldman career stats: 21 quarterback hits, 18 tackles for loss, 13 sacks in 81 games
It forced sweeping changes on that side of the ball. Atlanta hired Ryan Nielsen as its defensive coordinator, bringing in the former New Orleans Saints assistant coach who specialized n his work with defensive linemen. However, the team could now be on the verge of losing Goldman.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Falcons’ head coach Arthur Smith announced that Goldman is considering retirement and the team expects a final decision on Saturday.
“He looked phenomenal when he showed up the other day, but you never know what somebody is going through. We’ll probably have a final answer by tomorrow.”
Atlanta Falcons coach Arthur Smith on Eddie Goldman
This isn’t the first time the Falcons have gone through this with Goldman. Last year, he signed a one-year contract with Atlanta in July. Just 13 days later, he announced his retirement from football.
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Prior to his first retirement, Goldman had been a productive defensive tackle. The 6-foot-3 defensive lineman rated as one of the best nose tackles in the NFL during the 2018 season, earning an 87.3 PFF grade. In 2019, he earned a 70.7 PFF grade with 15 pressures and 13 hurries.
Goldman skipped the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, receiving a $350,000 stipend for voluntarily sitting out the season. When he returned to football in 2021, he wasn’t nearly as effective.
In preparation for Goldman retiring, the Falcons signed defensive tackle Justin Ellis.
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