A Dallas Cowboys offseason doesn’t really feel full lately with out particular teamer C.J. Goodwin getting a brand new contract. However now that coordinator John Fassel has left for the Titans, will he attempt to convey alongside Goodwin to assist get issues getting in Tennessee? And even when not, will Dallas nonetheless need to convey the 35-year-old again for an additional yr?
Goodwin has been a pure specialist for the Cowboys since signing as a free agent in the midst of 2018. By the tip of 2019, he’d emerged as a premier gunner on protection models. Regardless of by no means taking part in greater than 21 defensive snaps (about 2% of the entire) in a season, the so-called cornerback is de facto only a particular groups ace who’s held a roster spot for that position for over six years.
Goodwin particularly rose to prominence after Fassel grew to become Dallas’ particular groups coordinator in 2020. That yr, he recovered a vital onside kick towards the Falcons that arrange a game-winning drive. He’s additionally been concerned in trick performs on returns (sure, ones that really labored) in Fassel’s extra adventurous moments. However even when not doing the flashy stuff, Goodwin led the Cowboys in particular groups tackles from 2019-2021 and has remained a standout gunner whilst he’s reached his mid-30s.
Persevering with to indicate up has meant continued short-term contracts from Dallas. Goodwin returned on a one-year deal in 2020, acquired a two-year extension after that, after which once more acquired single-year contracts in 2023 and 2024. He’s approaching free company once more after simply turning 35 this week, however nonetheless commanding respect for his NFL area of interest.
Whereas Fassel’s transfer to Tennessee could really feel like a possible path for Goodwin to comply with, take into account that he was already a high particular teamer in Dallas earlier than Fassel acquired right here. He could also be a “Fassel man” now after the final 5 years, however he wasn’t one earlier than 2020. If the Cowboys need to give their new ST coordinator, Nick Sorensen, a trusted veteran to assist him combine with the group then preserving Goodwin round might make sense. That’s, in fact, assuming he’d quite keep right here than contemplate different affords. Or, given his age, that he isn’t retiring.
The draw back to preserving Goodwin is similar because it’s all the time been; one other roster spot devoted purely to particular groups. Whereas KaVontae Turpin affords some worth on offense, and arguably ought to get extra appears to be like there than he does, Dallas by no means desires to see Goodwin taking part in significant snaps within the secondary.
However once more, this isn’t something new. We’ve mentioned it each offseason, even projecting at occasions that Goodwin wouldn’t make the 53-man roster, and he simply retains proving the doubters mistaken. Now we’ll see if a part of his longevity has been tied to Fassel pounding the desk to maintain him, or if the entrance workplace and a brand new particular groups coordinator see the identical worth.
Certain, C.J. Goodwin is way down the record of the Cowboys’ 2025 free brokers. However his return would nonetheless imply one much less roster spot for an additional place, and his departure would require somebody new to step into his very giant footwear on particular groups. Dallas could have greater fish to fry this offseason, however these comparatively small roster issues can nonetheless determine video games down the highway.
