After a start to free agency once again marred by inactivity and smaller moves, the Dallas Cowboys finally showed they are willing to make moves that can keep this team competitive by investing in All-Pro returner and speed demon KaVontae Turpin.
After being relegated to indoor football, whatever "Fan Controlled Football" was, and European leagues due to troubles in college, Turpin rode USFL stardom to a stint with the Cowboys. His extreme speed has made him a valuable special teams weapon who is gradually getting a bigger role in the offense.
While Dallas can often be hesitant to pay big money for external free agents, Jerry Jones has consistently invested in some of his best players. Turpin is the next one in line, as he proved to be more than just someone who can run fast during his Cowboys tenure.
The Cowboys have agreed to a three-year deal with Turpin that will pay him $18 million. The deal is a nice chunk of change for the skinny TCU alum, as he now becomes the highest-paid special teamer in the league. After two Pro Bowls in three years, Turpin was worthy of a payday.
Cowboys agree to three-year contract with returner KaVontae Turpin
Turpin had both a kick return and punt return touchdown last season. Turpin amassed over 1,000 yards on returns on both punts and kicks, all while leading the league in both kick return yards and average length per return. Simply put, he was the best in the NFL at his position.
While Turpin's size limitations will likely prevent him from every becoming a full-time starter at wide receiver, he played more of a role on offense in the 2024 season than he had previously. Turpin caught 31 passes in 2024 and amassed more than 500 yards from scrimmage on both receptions and jet sweep runs.
The Cowboys need to keep adding to their wide receiver room this offseason, but keeping Turpin in town is the type of move this roster needed. Not only does it keep their special teams at an elite level, but shows that even if you're not a star player, Jones and the front office are willing to reward internal development success stories.
Turpin has proven to be a game-changing weapon when his speed is utilized properly, and the Cowboys knew what a mess their special teams would be without the threat of No. 9 scaring opposing coverage teams.
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