The Dallas Cowboys have had few positives from the 2024 season, but one has been the continued improvement of speed merchant KaVontae Turpin.
While dipping his feet into being a receiver and runner in Mike McCarthy's offense, Turpin's true value is in the return game.
Whether returning kickoffs or punts, other special teams units have to kick the ball away from KaVontae or risk having No. 9 make a house call, which he's done twice this season.
Such has been Turpin's form in the return game that he's been selected to the Pro Bowl, making it the second time in three seasons he's achieved this.
“I'm grateful, thank the Lord, two years out of three,” Turpin said. “I'm just grateful to showcase my ability on special teams. I'm competitive, little guy, 5'9, 150 pounds going out there competing on a big level with the big guys, I'm just a competitor, I go out there and compete no matter what, just go out there and just be me.”
Turpin leads the NFL in kick return yards per game (33.6) and kick return yards (874) from 26 returns. But such is the danger of punting to him with open space ahead of him, as evidenced by his return against the Washington Commanders, he isn't at the top of the charts in punt returns (17 returns for 186 total yards).
He has developed into a weapon for special teams coordinator Josh Fassel and Mike McCarthy as a receiver and runner as he expanded his role on the team.
“He's probably one of the most fluent athletes that I've had the privilege of working with,” McCarthy said. “He has the speed and the way he can change gears, he's a special talent.”
With a host of players out of contract at season's end, one being Turpin, he is one signature that the Cowboys have to get this offseason. (He is a RFA so he can be tendered at $5.2 million and retained.)
Because once the season concludes, and free agency opens, you can be sure that there will be a long queue for the Pro Bowler's services.
