(Photo Credit: The Dallas Cowboys Football Club For Their Use.)
FRISCO, Texas — One of the Cowboys’ first moves during the offseason is re-signing their best special teams’ player and backup cornerback, C.J. Goodwin. May not be the grandest or flashiest signing of the offseason with the squad’s defensive needs, but it was an imperative one for the organization.
Goodwin has agreed to terms on a two-year deal with the Cowboys, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Per his agent Drew Rosenhaus, the deal is worth $3.5 million with $2 million guaranteed. The NFL’s legal tampering period opened on Monday, but contracts will not be officially announced until the inception of the new league year on Wednesday.
How quickly the club worked to retain his services is a testament to his ability. Goodwin, a two-time special teams’ captain in 2020, has led the Cowboys with 10 special teams tackles in each of the last two seasons playing a combined 613 special teams snaps during the span. He may have only played 16 snaps on defense last season but his athleticism and instincts as a kick returner make up for it.
As an undrafted free agent in 2014, Goodwin spent time with many NFL teams as he worked to make a mark. He joined the Cowboys in 2018 after being released from the Bengals’ practice squad. It has been a long road for Goodwin, but he has found his home in Dallas.
Everyone remembers the iconic ‘Watermelon Kick,’ well Goodwin made that play possible. He recovered Greg Zuerlein’s onside kick in week two to guide the team’s comeback victory against the Atlanta Falcons. His other notable play came in week nine showcasing elite speed. His 83-yard return on a fake punt led the Cowboys down the field for three points.
All of which garnered immense praise during the season from special teams’ coordinator, John Fassel.
“What he’s [C.J. Goodwin] meant to our team, first of all as a player on the field, has been undeniable. He’s fast. He’s tough. He’s so versatile … really where C.J.’s leadership comes is his work ethic.”
Not only does Goodwin pride himself on the relentless pursuit of the football, but also on the mental preparation and off-the-field work it requires to get there. Opponents have to know where Goodwin is at on special teams and circle his number. That is telling.
“C.J., just him being on the field impacts the game in so many different ways,” teammate Justin March-Lillard shared with D210Sports.
“One thing for sure is he is going to get doubled every time he is on the field covering the football. Which means he is freeing up another teammate or giving another teammate a chance to have a one-on-one. There’s so much value in being a guy that gets that much attention. He is easily the fastest guy on the field any given special teams play. His impact is just incredible.”
He is poised for another stellar campaign in 2021 wearing the Star.
