KaVontae Turpin might just be able to parlay 86-yard touchdown into a lot of money in Cowboys’ season finale
The Dallas Cowboys wide receiver needs a career-best game to secure a salary escalator for the 2026 NFL season.
KaVontae Turpin had himself a merry little 86-yard touchdown catch and run on Christmas Day that helped propel the Dallas Cowboys to a 30-23 win over the Washington Commanders. And this week, he might be able to parlay the highlight play into a significant raise ahead of 2026.
Now granted, it won’t be easy. In fact, it would require a career first for Turpin. But it’s Holidays season, so why not dream big? Let’s break down how a big season finale for Turpin could translate into more money for him down the road.
Turpin 104 yards away from big raise
Turpin’s contract includes salary escalators in two categories: Catches and receiving yards, with each breaking down in three levels. Unfortunately for the Cowboys wide receiver, catches is a long shot as he needs at least 14 in one game to reach the first level of his escalator. But he should be in play for the first escalator on receiving yards.
And yet, he needs a career-high 104 receiving yards to get there. Per Spotrac, hitting 500 receiving yards for the season would raise Turpin’s 2026 salary by $250,000. Before Turpin’s 86-yard touchdown versus the Commanders, it seemed like he had no shot. But now, there might be some hope for him as he sits at 396 yards.
Now, why should we believe Turpin could get 106 receiving yards in a game when the most he’s gotten in a single game is 86?
Well, as we’ve learned with his blazing speed multiple times including last week, for him, it takes one play to get big gains. But mostly, Turpin could get plenty of playing time if the Cowboys decide to rest starters such as CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. So far, the Cowboys have suggested they’ll play to win but it wouldn’t be a surprise if their roles are limited come gameday.
Of course, the downside to starters resting is Turpin would need to rely on backup QB Joe Milton to get him to his goal. Then again, maybe Milton’s high-powered arm and Turpin’s elite speed turns out to be a good combo. Be it Prescott or Milton, Turpin will need the quarterback room to aim for deep shots if this is going to happen.
Turpin’s full annual escalators
Via Spotrac, this is how Turpin’s escalators break down. Keep in mind, an escalator doesn’t work like an incentive. Though both contract mechanisms reward a player for reaching a goal, an incentive is paid out automatically. Meanwhile, an escalator is a raise for a player’s salary the following year. In other words, if the Cowboys were to release Turpin, they wouldn’t need to pay him the escalator, as it would be part of his salary.
With him being an All-Pro returner though, it would be a surprise if he isn’t on their 2026 plans.
- Annual Reception Escalator (non-cumulative)
- 40: $250,000
- 50: $500,000
- 60: $750,000
- Annual Receiving Yard Escalator (non-cumulative)
- 500: $250,000
- 700: $500,000
- 900: $750,000
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