News - Cowboys Look to Revamp Special Teams Following Goodwin's Retirement

The Dallas Cowboys are facing significant challenges as they prepare for the 2026 season, particularly within their special teams unit. The recent retirement of C.J. Goodwin, a 12-year NFL veteran and former Cowboys standout, underscores the growing concerns regarding the team's efficiency in this critical area. Goodwin's departure ends a long tenure marked not by defensive contributions, but by his exceptional involvement in special teams, where he consistently played in 80% of the team’s snaps. Despite being 36 and experiencing a dip in performance with four missed tackles last season, his retirement calls attention to a pressing issue—the Cowboys' notably poor special teams execution in 2025. The Cowboys must address a glaring problem: deficiencies in special teams performance. Last year, they ranked as the second-most penalized team in the NFL on special teams, with frequent pre-snap fouls indicating a lack of discipline and preparation. Pro Football Focus ranked the Cowboys as having the 24th-best special teams unit in the league, and importantly, no player from the Cowboys breached the top 100 performer list in special teams based on snap participation and effectiveness. The underlying issues are compounded by standout errors; Brevyn Spann-Ford's season, marked by nine missed tackles, and Markquese Bell's record for second-most penalties on special teams by any non-kicker league-wide, highlight the dire necessity for change. As the Cowboys approach the upcoming season, it's clear they need a comprehensive overhaul. The current roster makeup cannot sustain the pressures posed by the expectations placed on such a historic franchise. In an effort to foster improvement, the Cowboys must view the upcoming training camp as an opportunity for renewal, setting aside past performances and opening up every special teams position for competition. This crucial period will determine who can fill the void left by Goodwin, especially in pivotal roles related to punt and kickoff coverage. Key adjustments and keen competition can spring forth a vastly improved unit, potentially reshaping the trajectory of the Cowboys' 2026 campaign.