KaVontae Turpin’s Contract Is Not Paying Off

The Return Numbers Don’t Justify the Investment

We all know Turpin’s value is supposed to show up on special teams, so that’s where this has to start.

On kick returns, the league average is 26.41 yards per return. Turpin is averaging 26.2, which is essentially league average.

It’s not hurting the Cowboys, but it’s not helping them either.

Punt returns are where the issue becomes more obvious. The league average is 7.1 yards per punt return, and Turpin is at 5.5.

That gap may not sound massive, but over the course of a season it translates into lost field position that does not show up in the box score, but is felt on the field.

Return specialists are paid to create advantages and we are not seeing that consistently.

Field Position Tells the Same Story

If I could tell you, the return numbers were the only red flag, it would be easier to dismiss.

The Cowboys are averaging starting field position at the 29.3-yard line, which ranks 29th in the NFL. That’s bottom-four territory.

Teams with strong special teams units continually start drives three to four yards closer to midfield than Dallas.

If we look at the entirety of a game, that could be 30–40 hidden yards.

Over a season, it is the difference between manageable situations and playing behind the chains.

If you’re paying for a return specialist, this shouldn’t be happening.

Turpin Is Not Offsetting Poor Returns With Offense

This is where I believe the argument becomes even harder if you’re a defender of Turpin.

If Turpin was compensating his average return production with real offensive value, the contract conversations would be different.

However, his offensive role has remained limited and situational.

In 2025, Turpin has:

• 23 receptions on 32 targets
• 296 receiving yards
• 1 receiving touchdown
• 14 rushing attempts for 69 yards
• 0 rushing touchdowns
• 1 fumble lost

That’s gadget player usage, not consistent production.

Yes, the explosiveness is there, but explosiveness only matters if it forces defensive adjustments or flips games. Right now, defenses aren’t changing how they play Dallas when Turpin is on the field.

Turpin’s Contract Magnifies the Problem

The production might be easier to stomach if the cap hits weren’t going up.

• 2025 cap hit: $3.1 million
• 2026 cap hit: $4.7 million
• 2027 cap hit: $5.7 million

By 2027, the Cowboys are paying nearly $6 million for a player who is league average on kick returns, below average on punt returns, and doesn’t help on offense.

The Cowboys could get out. Moving on after 2025 would result in $2.4 million in dead cap, but it would save more than $3 million going forward.

That flexibility matters for a roster with far more pressing needs.

This Might Be a Special Teams Issue

I don’t believe this falls solely on Turpin.

When a player with elite speed fails to produce above-average return numbers, it raises questions about blocking, scheme, and coaching.

A new special teams coordinator could get more out of Turpin, or a cheaper alternative.

Right now, I know the Cowboys are paying for speed and reputation, not production.

What the Cowboys Are Really Paying For

When I put everything together—the return averages, the field position rankings, offensive usage, and the growing cap hits—the reality becomes difficult to ignore.

All of this doesn’t mean I think KaVontae Turpin lacks talent. It means the impact isn’t there, and in a league where every yard and dollar matters, that disconnect will force a decision in the near future.