The 2024 season for the Dallas Cowboys has been challenging, but one of the few bright spots has been the continued growth of KaVontae Turpin. Known for his lightning-fast speed, Turpin has made a name for himself primarily as a return specialist. Although he has also experimented with roles as a receiver and runner within Mike McCarthy’s offense, it’s on special teams where he truly excels. Whether returning kickoffs or punts, Turpin’s speed forces opposing teams to either kick the ball away from him or risk allowing a big play, something he’s done twice this season.
Turpin’s exceptional performance in the return game has earned him a well-deserved spot in the Pro Bowl, marking the second time in just three seasons that he’s received this honor. Reflecting on his achievements, Turpin expressed gratitude for the opportunity to showcase his talents, especially as a smaller player at just 5’9″ and 150 pounds. His ability to compete at the highest level despite his size is a testament to his fierce competitive spirit and relentless determination to succeed.
Statistically, Turpin has dominated the return game, leading the NFL with 33.6 yards per game on kick returns and 874 total kick return yards from 26 returns. While he hasn’t reached the same level of dominance in punt returns, his ability to shift gears and break away on kickoffs remains a significant threat. One of his most notable returns came against the Washington Commanders, where he demonstrated his ability to create explosive plays that could change the course of a game.
Turpin’s role on the team has expanded beyond special teams, as he continues to develop as a receiver and runner in the Cowboys’ offense. Head coach Mike McCarthy has praised Turpin for his exceptional athleticism, highlighting his fluidity and ability to quickly change direction. McCarthy believes Turpin’s versatility makes him a unique talent and an asset to the Cowboys in multiple phases of the game.
With Turpin set to become a restricted free agent at the end of the season, the Cowboys face a critical decision regarding his future. He can be tendered at $5.2 million, allowing the Cowboys to retain his services, but his Pro Bowl status and exceptional play will likely attract interest from other teams as well. Given his immense value as a return specialist and his growing role in the offense, securing Turpin’s future with Dallas should be a top priority for the Cowboys this offseason.
