Cowboys' longshot isn’t satisfied with current role
The Dallas Cowboys needed a punt returner desperately before the 2022 season. Dallas went the route of snagging KaVontae Turpin who was fresh off of an MVP season in the USFL. Turpin took the league by storm with a 98-yard kickoff return and an 86-yard punt return in a preseason game against the Los Angeles […]
![Dallas Cowboys wide receiver KaVontae Turpin (9) is stopped by Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Chad Muma (48) during the third quarter of a regular season NFL football matchup Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022 at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville. The Jacksonville Jaguars edged the Dallas Cowboys 40-34 in overtime. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union] Jki 121822 Cowboys Jags Cp 54](https://atozsports.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/13781-syndication-florida-times-union.jpg)
The Dallas Cowboys needed a punt returner desperately before the 2022 season. Dallas went the route of snagging KaVontae Turpin who was fresh off of an MVP season in the USFL.
Turpin took the league by storm with a 98-yard kickoff return and an 86-yard punt return in a preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers back in August. Although Turpin didn't return any kicks for scores in the regular season, he finished fifth in the NFL in punt return average and earned a Pro Bowl nod.
That's quite impressive for a guy that went undrafted in 2019, but Turpin yearns for more.
"We had a talk during my exit meeting, basically saying like they already know what I did with the special teams this year and all that, but they are going to try and get me on the offense and try to make guys respect me more on both sides of the ball," Turpin told the Blogging The Boyspodcast during Super Bowl week. "I'm going into this training camp, I'm basically trying to show them that they have no choice but to use me on offense, that's my mindset."
Although Turpin showed value as a returner, the thought of his speed and elusiveness being used on the Cowboys' offense had many salivating. However, former offensive coordinator Kellen Moore didn't find a spot for Turpin and he only logged 62 snaps all season and produced just one reception for nine yards and 17 yards rushing on three attempts.
The output of the Cowboys receivers outside of All-Pro CeeDee Lamb was pedestrian at best as they failed to equal his production as a group. So, it was mind-blowing that Turpin didn't get more opportunities to get the ball in his hands whether it be as a pass-catcher or as a runner with his ability to make plays in space.
Dallas needs another weapon in the passing game, and an explosive one at that, and Turpin feels he can be that type of asset.
"I'm a playmaker with the ball in my hand and I can scare guys without the ball," said Turpin. "Just on the same field together, me and CeeDee Lamb, I just feel like that's my biggest thing going on, just showing them that they gotta have me on the field."
When the 2023 season rolls around, it will be wise for Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy and Brian Schottenheimer, the team's new offensive coordinator, to find a role for Turpin and his skill set.
Feature image via Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Unio / USA TODAY NETWORK