KaVontae Turpin shares goals for contract year with Cowboys

It’s been an offseason of change for Dallas Cowboys receiver KaVontae Turpin. The third-year NFL player welcomed two daughters this spring while gearing up for a contract season with the team. This week, the former TCU standout opened up about his offseason and his goals for 2024.

“It’s been good,” Turpin said of the offseason. “Just been there for my kids. I had them right before the season, so I’m just trying to spend the offseason staying in shape and spending time with my family. Seeing them grow up, growing teeth in their mouth. It’s a blessing just to be there.”

Turpin, who also acts as return man for Dallas’ special teams, took a step back with his returns last season, but increased his role in the offense. He finished the 2023 season with 237 all-purpose yards with 12 receptions on 18 targets with four touchdowns. Having increased his production, Turpin told reporters he’s feeling more confident in his role in the offense.

“Going into year two of this offense, my year three, now it just feels like confidence,” he said. “I go out there and play fast and everything. They can put me in any position and I’ll just go in and play fast. I’m just glad I was able to do OTAs last year and this year. It helped me a lot to be the player that I am.”

New kickoff rules present opportunity for Turpin

Turpin made the Pro Bowl in 2022 as a special teams star and he’s hoping for similar results now that the NFL has adopted new kickoff rules. He and special teams coordinator John Fassel are putting their heads together to create some explosive opportunities for him this season. Last season, Turpin returned 10 kickoffs for 292 yards with a long return of 63 yards.

“We’re putting in so much work,” Turpin said. “Bones, just the guy that he is, a smart guy, he dedicates himself to loving it. He’s doing things you wouldn’t even expect on special teams. It’s good having him on our side and having him to learn the new rule.”

This season will be Turpin’s last on his three-year, $2.56 million deal. To secure an extension, he’ll need to impress his coaches, as well as the front office. Adding another Pro Bowl to his resume could do the trick.

“One of my goals is to try and make the Pro Bowl this year,” he said. “I want to come out as one of the most dangerous returners in the history of the NFL. That’s what I’m going into, especially with it being my contract year. I just want to prove people wrong and that I’m still here.”