Signings around the league have been flying around since the legal tampering period opened on Monday. The Dallas Cowboys have made a few additions but nothing crazy. They added RB Javonte Williams on Monday before signing DT Solomon Thomas, who played under DL coach Aaron Whitecotton with the New York Jets.
They continued to make some moves and re-signed WR/RS KaVontae Turpin to a three-year, $18 million deal on Tuesday, making him the NFL's highest-paid special-teamer, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
Turpin was a restricted free agent, and the Cowboys made sure to bring him back. The 28-year-old has been such a dynamic weapon for Dallas. In 2024, he led the league in kickoff return yards (904) and yards per kick return (33.5). That 33.5 yards per return mark is now a Dallas record.
He was the only player in the league last season to record a punt and kickoff return for a touchdown. His electric speed has made him a stellar weapon, logging two Pro Bowl nods for the NFC (2022 & 2024). Turpin was also an All-Pro returner in 2024.
The 28-year-old was also used more as a pass-catcher this past season. Turpin recorded career highs in targets (52), catches (31), receiving yards (420), and yards per receptions (13.5). In addition, he reeled in 18 catches for a first-down, including a career-best 64-yard touchdown grab.
Turpin brings a different element to the Cowboys team, and they were smart to retain him. The TCU product is the lone player in the NFL to log at least 500 receiving yards and 1,000 kickoff return yards over the last two campaigns.
He's an underrated weapon for this team and got rewarded for it. Dallas will need to find other players who can improve this team while also hammering out an extension for star pass-rusher Micah Parsons.