5. C.J. Goodwin, CB
The Cowboys made Goodwin one of their three captains for Sunday's finale against the Commanders. That could be a hint that they will move on after the season. Regardless, Goodwin should not be back in 2025.
Widely regarded as one of the NFL's most valuable special teams gunners, Goodwin was a detriment to John "Bones" Fassel's unit this year. He committed five penalties and missed half of his tackle attempts (made 10, missed five), per PFF. He finished with a special teams grade lower than 60.0.
Does that scream value to you? While Goodwin was the second-leading tackler on special teams, Dallas can find someone better in free agency or through the draft. Ideally, his replacement will have the versatility to play defense.
In seven seasons with America's Team, Goodwin played a total of 67 defensive snaps. That averages out to less than 10 per season. While the league's best special teams players typically don't play much defense, Goodwin's one-dimensional tendencies make him replaceable.
4. Andrew Booth, CB
Fun fact: Andrew Booth is the only non-free agent in this article. That really says it all about his performance this season.
The Cowboys acquired Booth in a preseason trade with the Vikings. While they didn't trade a fourth-round pick for him (too soon?), it was still a lose-lose for both sides. He actually made a positive impression in preseason, but that was short-lived.
Booth's 28.7 coverage grade this season ranked dead-last among 269 (!) qualified cornerbacks, per PFF. His 17.4 yards per catch allowed was second-worst and his 157.1 passer rating allowed when targeted was fourth-worst at the position. He somehow allowed only two touchdowns. That his coverage grade was that low tells you how inept he was.
We don't fault Dallas for making the trade, but Booth cannot be on the 2025 roster. He didn't belong on the field and with Trevon Diggs and Josh Butler unlikely to be ready for the start of next season, the team will need to trust its depth at the position.