We came into this offseason knowing the Dallas Cowboys needed to fill a lot of shoes on defense, but now, special teams will need to fill a ginormous shoe.
Cowboys' special teams ace CJ Goodwin has retired from the NFL after spending the last eight seasons with the Cowboys. While it feels small, Goodwin's retirement casts a shadow over who can step up in his absence. Traeshon Holden, a young wide receiver who went viral locally for his intense catch-making abilities, now has an excuse to make the 53-man roster.
It's still going to be a work in progress, but Holden was a fan favorite last offseason and has enough speed and talent to make the roster.
CJ Goodwin's retirement opens the door for Traeshon Holden to make the roster
Holden went undrafted out of Oregon, but he quickly became a fan favorite during training camp, making spectacular grabs and showing off his speed. But it also goes to show you can be ultra-talented and still come up short.
Fortunately, there's now an excuse for Holden to make the 53-man roster, as his quickness and athleticism can be used to fill Goodwin's spot. We already know he has tremendous speed. Now it's going to be a question of making tackles.
Another concern is filling six WR spots. With spots guaranteed to CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Ryan Flournoy and KaVontae Turpin, it looks like the next spot can go to Marquez
Valdes-Scantling, and then it's up for grabs for a sixth spot.
Does Holden beat out Jonathan Mingo? Anthony Smith? Jordan Hudson? It's going to be a tough road no matter what, but he has an excuse to make it. Holden can still be listed as a receiver, but can play the new gunner. After all, Goodwin's original position was on defense.
Goodwin was listed as a cornerback during his playing days, but he eventually found his niche as a special teams ace. He will by far be remembered for his days with the Cowboys, considering he was a journeyman early in his NFL career.
Of course, this is a major loss that affects a reliable spot. Back in 2019, Goodwin became a staple on special teams, playing all 16 games. In 2020, he became a regular at the position after being cut, and even recovered Greg Zuerlein's onside kick in the Cowboys' infamous comeback against the Atlanta Falcons.
Congratulations to Goodwin and his next endeavors. It was always nice knowing the Cowboys had a special teams ace they never had to worry about. Now, there are big shoes to fill, and Holden is waiting.
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