The Dallas Cowboys have been trying to find playmakers on offense all offseason. It's what led to the drafting of running back Jaydon Blue and the trade for wide receiver George Pickens. In the midst of bringing in those two guys, one skill player might have been forgotten by the public, but not by the coaching staff.
Despite bringing in more help, jack of all trades KaVontae Turpin remains an explosive game breaker who the team needs to find ways to get the ball. With the perceived lack of options for the Cowboys at RB, Turpin is looking like another choice in the mix for the running game. His new contract, three years, $13.5 million, likely means the team sees him as a functional piece of the offense moving forward.
Turpin possesses the shiftiness to make defenders miss, which can help turn short gains into big plays, while having the speed to beat defenses deep in the passing game as well. With those skills, Turpin combines some of the attributes of Blue and Pickens, making him a weapon unlike any other for the offense.
As a player who felt underused in Mike McCarthy's system, that doesn't look like it'll be the case in Brian Schottenheimer's offense. The new Cowboys coach looks like he trying to find ways to get one of his best playmakers the ball more often, including in the backfield. Turpin has been seen taking handoffs as an RB in OTAs and minicamp, a sign that he could be a bigger part of the offense for the upcoming season.
Turpin's carries did see an uptick each year with McCarthy, culminating with a career high 16 last season, but that could be a number the pint-sized speedster surpasses in 2025. His elusiveness has seen him average 7.3 yards a carry over his three seasons, so it's clear that Turpin can be effective rushing the ball.
This is all part of the cross-training some of the Cowboys players have been going through - including Hunter Luepke at tight end and Deuce Vaughn at WR - so it might not mean much when the regular season rolls around, but Turpin is a much better weapon than either of those RBs.
The Cowboys have remade their RB position this offseason with veterans Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders, both of whom have gotten positive reviews thus far. The team also drafted Blue to add the element of speed, something only Turpin can match on the roster. With Luepke and Vaughn also in the mix, as well as another rookie, seventh-round pick Phil Mafah, it's a crowded group in the backfield.
Despite all those RB additions, Turpin remains an option to get some carries, which shows the Cowboys believe he can have an impact in the running game.
If Turpin does get run at RB, it shouldn't take away from his ability as a WR or return man. The four-year veteran is an All-Pro returner and is dangerous at receiver, where his targets and yards took a big jump in 2024 from his first two years in the league. Turpin is already a legitimate threat in the passing game, and can become more dangerous with touches out of the backfield.
No matter where he lines up, Turpin has a habit of making plays. With a combined six rushing and receiving scores in the last two seasons, Turpin has shown all he needs is the ball in hands to make something happen. His frame won't allow for too much usage as an RB, but it's clear the Cowboys want him to see additional touches.
It might not be the best RB room in the league, but Turpin gives the Cowboys' offense another big-play option as a runner.
