I like KaVontae Turpin. You have to respect the speed, effort, and occasional spark he brings when the ball is in his hands. At some point, production has to justify cost. When I step back and look at the full picture; return production, field position, offensive usage, and cap impact, I can’t make the case that Turpin’s contract is paying off for the Cowboys.I want everyone to know this isn’t about highlights or reputation, it’s about results.
The Return Numbers Don’t Justify the Investment
We all know Turpin’s value is supposed to show up on special teams, so that’s where this has to start. On kick returns, the league average is 26.41 yards per return. Turpin is averaging 26.2, which is essentially league average. It’s not hurting the Cowboys, but it’s not helping them either.
Punt returns are where the issue becomes more obvious. The league average is 7.1 yards per punt return, and Turpin is at 5.5. That gap may not sound massive, but over the course of a season it translates into lost field position that does not show up in the box score, but is felt on the field. Return specialists are paid to create advantages and we are not seeing that consistently.
Field Position Tells the Same Story
If I could tell you, the return numbers were the only red flag, it would be easier to dismiss. The Cowboys are averaging starting field position at the 29.3-yard line, which ranks 29th in the NFL. That’s bottom-four territory. Teams with strong special teams units continually start drives three to four yards closer to midfield than Dallas. If we look at the entirety of a game, that could be 30–40 hidden yards. Over a season, it is the difference between manageable situations and playing behind the chains. If you’re paying for a return specialist, this shouldn’t be happening.