Kick return change could be the end for special teams ace C.J. Goodwin

For six years, C.J. Goodwin has been a fixture on the Cowboys. Surviving multiple coaching administrations and numerous roster crunches, Goodwin has repeatedly defied many annual roster predictions, making his way to the active roster for Week 1.

Listed as a defensive back, it’s Goodwin’s special teams play that has been his ticket to a roster spot. The 6-foot-3, 190-pound dynamo has been the leader of Dallas’ kick and punt coverage teams. Like kicker, punter and long-snapper, Goodwin offers next to nothing on defense, yet his impact and value in any given game has been significant. This all stands to change with the NFL’s new kickoff format in place.

The NFL’s new kickoff policy calls for placekickers to kick from their own 35-yard line, with up to two returners set up to receive inside their own 20. Everyone is else situated in the middle. The kicking team with one foot on the return team’s 40 and the return team between their 30 and 35. The idea is to reduce the speed of impact and make returns safer.

The inevitable consequence is the play looks more like a regular football play than a special teams return. This means personnel will likely adjust, with size becoming a priority and traditional gunners potentially becoming an endangered species. Suddenly Goodwin’s meal ticket has fallen into jeopardy.

Teams can only speculate as to what combination of players will make the most optimal unit under the new special teams rules. The strategy the Cowboys deploy early will likely adapt as the nuances of new format are put into action. Until it’s actually seen at full speed, it’s unknown exactly how someone like Goodwin will fit.

In the past, linebackers and safeties populated the ranks somewhat disproportionately in kicking situations. Many project a special teams unit will now made up of more traditional players under the new format because kick returns will better resemble a typical football play. If traditional defensive players start playing bigger roles on kicks, specialists like Goodwin stand to lose value. With roster spots always at a premium, the Cowboys could favor more versatile players who can also play in a defensive rotation.

For years people have been trying to write Goodwin off the roster and for years Goodwin has been making fools of them for it. It’s always dangerous betting against Goodwin. But at age 34 and under a new kicking format that will likely favor his competition, this might finally be it for Goodwin on the Cowboys.