KaVontae

Turpin

That means that Turpin will at the very least get a $5.34 million salary for next season as he enters restricted free agency. It’s unlikely that any team will want to present him an offer and lose a second-round pick, so this will probably tie him to the Cowboys for 2025. While Turpin isn’t an exceptional fantasy option based on how last year played out, he will likely be given plenty of gadget touches in Brian Schottenheimer’s run-focused offense and has some deeper league appeal heading into next season.

Turpin was an impactful player for the Cowboys in 2024 across the board. A high-level returner already, his shiftiness was utilized on offense as he totaled 31 receptions for 420 yards and two touchdowns, along with 16 carries for 92 yards. Though his gadget-play usage causes misdirection for opposing defenses, it does not add much for fantasy purposes. Turpin is set to hit restricted free agency, where the Cowboys and other teams will certainly be interested in the Pro-Bowl returner’s services. Fantasy managers can keep Turpin on deep Dynasty rosters, but he doesn’t have much utility otherwise.

Turpin also added one rush for two yards. The majority of the yardage came on a 30-yard screen pass where Turpin sowed off his electric speed. Amazingly, he ended up being the Cowboys’ leading receiver in a game where the Cowboys were committed to the run and CeeDee Lamb dealt with drops and a possible injury. He’d be a risky play in Week 14 against the Bengals on Monday Night Football.

Cooks, who hasn’t played since Week 4 after developing an infection during a knee procedure, has a chance to suit up this week against the Commanders. The Cowboys could choose to hold Cooks out until their Thanksgiving Day matchup against the Giants. If Cooks remains sidelined in Week 11, KaVontae Turpin — who had 86 yards and a touchdown on three catches in Week 10 — could be interesting in deeper formats. Cooks was limited in Wednesday’s practice.

Turpin took a quick slant 64 yards to the house on the first play of the second quarter to bring the Cowboys within striking distance of the Texans before the break, catching two more short area passes before his fantasy line came to a conclusion. Turpin isn’t likely to remain in the game plan moving forward but fantasy managers that took shots in best ball were rewarded for their last-round gamble.

Turpin dropped his lone missed target on Dallas’ final drive of the game. He’s more of a gadget player on offense for the Cowboys than anything else, and his continued presence high in the box score goes to show you how little the non-Lamb/Ferguson receivers are doing for this team right now. Turpin won’t be a recommended start in Week 10 against the Eagles.

Archer said Cooks could miss time beyond Week 5 due to an infection stemming from a knee procedure he underwent last week. Cooks is second on the team with 19 targets through Week 4, though he only has nine catches for 91 yards and one score. Jalen Tolbert should take on a bigger role with Cooks sidelined. KaVontae Turpin could also see an increased role for as long as Cooks is out.

Turpin’s touchdown came on a 16-yard reception late in the fourth quarter as the Cowboys were mounting a comeback. The Cowboys’ return specialist continues to pop up in the offense as needed but doesn’t have a strong enough role to be considered fantasy-relevant. His 51 receiving yards in Sunday’s loss set a new career high, but fantasy managers shouldn’t count on him in Week 4 against the Giants.

Tolbert was a surprising target-leader for the Cowboys in Week 2. Some of that is likely due to the team being down big in the second half, though he still operated ahead of KaVontae Turpin (three touches, six yards) and Jalen Brooks (one touch, 10 yards). His day was highlighted by a 40-yard contested catch that showed shades of his touted jump-ball ability. Tolbert also recovered a near-costly Dak Prescott fumble in the red zone to at least get the team a field goal. He is unlikely to be the Cowboys’ No. 2 target moving forward, but Tolbert’s usage offers some WR5 value for those in deeper leagues.

Turpin is primarily the Cowboys’ return specialist, but gets some offensive opportunities as a gadget player. He scored a long touchdown to seal the game for the Cowboys, jumping in the Salvation Army kettle and handing out turkey legs to celebrate. Turpin is not a reliable fantasy option moving forward, but makes for a fun watch between his special teams and occasional offensive plays.