Former Florida State star Eddie Goldman signs with Atlanta Falcons

After being a free agent for the first time in his career this past offseason, former Florida State standout defensive lineman Eddie Goldman has signed with the Atlanta Falcons on a one-year deal, according to Pro Football Talk.

Goldman played seven seasons with the Chicago Bears, finishing with 175 tackles, 18 quarterback hits and 13 sacks as he anchored the middle of the defensive line in Chicago’s 3-4 defense.

He thrived in Vic Fangio’s scheme before Chuck Pagano kept the 3-4 and paved the way for Goldman to continue playing the nose. When Sean Desai took over as defensive coordinator in 2021, Goldman played a more conventional defensive tackle — finishing with 22 tackles, 0.5 sacks, and one quarterback hit in 14 games. 

Last year he played in 14 games, with 10 starts. He’s primarily a part-time run-stopper, which hasn’t been a particularly important decision as the NFL has become more of a passing league. Given that he was owed $8.8 million this season, it’s unsurprising that the Bears couldn’t find any trade partners.

The former Seminoles star was the second-round choice for the Chicago Bears in the 2015 NFL Draft and has gone on to record a respectable 13.0 sacks, 18 tackles for loss, and 21 quarterback hits throughout his entire career.

Drake London reveals what he can add to Atlanta Falcons culture

Goldman isn’t the only addition the Atlanta Falcons acquired this offseason. The Falcon’s first-round NFL Draft choice, wide receiver Drake London is ready to help set the tone for the Falcons heading into the future. During his press conference to formally introduce him as a member of the team, London reveals what he can add to the Atlanta Falcons culture.

“I would say intensity,” said London. “Would I consider myself a leader? Yes. But at the same time, I am a rookie. I have to go through all the ropes. Probably going to be carrying shoulder pads and helmets all the time, and you know rookie dinner and things like that. But I would definitely say in the future, I would like to be a leader.”

The Moorpark, Calif. native was a high school star in both football and basketball. On the gridiron, London was ranked as the nation’s No. 42 wide receiver and the No. 241 best overall prospect in the country in the 2019 recruiting class according to the On3 Consensus.

Atlanta has been looking to add weapons for Marcus Mariota and will be adding an elite pass catcher in London for the next four to five years. Between an injury and the 2020 season, London’s game total is low for a three-year starter. However, he still finished with an impressive 2,153 yards and 15 touchdowns on 160 receptions in just 27 career games.