Dallas Cowboys cornerback C.J. Goodwin inks new contract ahead of free agency

Dallas Cowboys cornerback and special teams ace C.J. Goodwin inked a new contract this week ahead of free agency. It will be a one-year deal, according to Cowboys reporter Michael Gehlken. He is coming off of a one-year deal worth $1.317 million. During the 2023 season, Goodwin played in five games, tallying four tackles, before tearing his pectoral muscle in the Oct. 8 game against the San Francisco 49ers.

Goodwin played the 2021 and 2022 seasons on a two-year, $3.5 million deal. He was the team’s special teams tackles leader in 2020 and 2021 and followed it up with an eight-tackle season in 2022.

Goodwin, a West Virginia native, played his college football at three different schools before joining the Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2014. His first deal with the Steelers was for for three years and $1.53 million but they ultimately waved him.

The Cowboys special teamer is going into his ninth season in the NFL. He’s had stints with Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Arizona, New York, Cincinnati and San Francisco. However, his tenure in Dallas has been the longest. Goodwin started his Cowboys career playing in three games in 2018 but became a staple in 2019.

On top of his tackles on special teams, Goodwin has also come up with some critical big plays, including punts downed inside the 10-yard line and even an onside kick recovery.

More on the 2024 NFL offseason, free agency

The NFL 2024 calendar year begins at 4 p.m. ET on March 13. At that time, contracts running through 2023 officially run out, making those players free agents. Prior to the beginning of free agency, teams will have a chance to designate one franchise or transition tag player, starting on Feb. 20 at 4 p.m. ET and ending on March 5. Beginning March 11 through March 13 teams can enter into a legal negotiation with players who are will become unrestricted free agents.

In addition to NFL free agency, the new year also marks the beginning of all trades being made official by the league office. April 19 marks the deadline to sign restricted free agents to offer sheets. On April 24, the deadline for teams to match restricted free agent offers sheets hits. Following the restricted free agent deadline follows the 2024 NFL Draft, which runs from April 25-27.

Dallas has a lengthy list of upcoming free agents to consider re-signing, as well as multiple stars who are looking for contract extensions. The list of the Cowboys’ free agents includes Tyron Smith, Tony Pollard, Stephon Gilmore, Tyler Biadasz, Dorance Armstrong Jr., Jayron Kearse, Jourdan Lewis, Johnathan Hankins, Neville Gallimore, Dante Fowler Jr., Chuma Edoga, Noah Igbinoghene and Rico Dowdle.