Cowboys Planning To Use Second-Round RFA Tender On KaVontae Turpin

The Cowboys are interested in keeping a number of their pending unrestricted free agents from hitting the market next week. One of their RFAs, meanwhile, is unlikely to become available.

The Cowboys are likely to use a second-round RFA tender on wideout/returner KaVontae Turpin, Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News reports. After beginning his career in a number of non-traditional football environments, including one season in the USFL, Turpin has spent the past three years in Dallas. That tenure has seen him earn a pair of Pro Bowl invites and a first-team All-Pro nod for his special teams abilities.

In 2025, a second-round tender carries a cost of $5.35MM. Using it will prevent Turpin from reaching the market, and signing it will allow him to receive that amount, which is fully guaranteed. In the event the 28-year-old were to sign an offer sheet from an interested team, the Cowboys would be able to match it; failing that, they would receive a second-round pick as compensation for the former undrafted rookie.

Turpin led the NFL in total (904) and average (33.5) return yardage on kickoffs in 2024. In the punt return game, he averaged 10.4 yards per runback and added a touchdown last year (in addition to one scored on a kickoff). The TCU product will be counted on to remain a dynamic special teams contributor moving forward, although he has also seen his role on offense grow with each passing season. Turpin recorded 420 receiving yards and two scores in 2024.

Dallas’ receiver depth chart is of course topped by CeeDee Lamb, who inked a $34MM-per-year extension last summer. The Cowboys could stand to add a complementary option in free agency, though, especially with Brandin Cooks set to see his contract expire. On that note, ESPN’s Dan Graziano writes the team can be expected to pursue a new No. 2 wideout this offseason. Trade acquisition Jonathan Mingo could develop into that role, but several veterans will be available once the new league year starts.

Turpin logged a 27% offensive snap share last season, and that figure could continue to rise. Even if other WR options are brought in, however, he figures to remain in the Cowboys’ plans for at least one more season.