The Dallas Cowboys have placed a second-round tender on wide receiver and return specialist KaVontae Turpin, securing his services for the 2025 season unless another team is willing to pay a hefty price. The tender, worth $5.34 million, ensures that if any team signs Turpin to an offer sheet, they must compensate the Cowboys with a second-round draft pick.

This move signals Dallas’ intent to keep one of their most dynamic playmakers, whose versatility has been a key asset on both offense and special teams. But with Turpin’s speed and game-changing ability, could another team be willing to take the gamble and pry him away from the Cowboys?

What the Second-Round Tender Means

For players with three accrued NFL seasons, teams can place different levels of tenders to retain their restricted free agents (RFAs). The Cowboys have chosen the second-round tender, which is a middle-tier option that discourages teams from poaching Turpin while still allowing him the possibility of negotiating with other franchises.

Here’s what this means in simple terms:

• Dallas will pay Turpin $5.34 million for the upcoming season.
• If another team signs him to an offer sheet, the Cowboys have the right to match the offer and keep him.
• If Dallas declines to match, the team signing Turpin must send a second-round draft pick to the Cowboys.

The high draft pick requirement is a significant deterrent for teams looking to sign Turpin. While his speed and versatility are unquestionable, few franchises will be eager to part with a valuable second-round pick for a return specialist who also contributes as a gadget player on offense.

Turpin’s Impact in Dallas

KaVontae Turpin, 28, has been a game-changer since joining the Cowboys in 2022. Initially viewed as just a return specialist, he has carved out a dual role in the offense while continuing to be one of the league’s most dangerous return men.

2024 Season Stats:

• Receiving: 31 receptions, 420 yards, 2 touchdowns
• Rushing: 16 carries, 92 yards
• Kick Returns: Led the NFL with 904 kickoff return yards
• Punt Returns: Averaged 10.4 yards per return, including one punt return touchdown

Turpin’s ability to flip the field on special teams has been a crucial asset for the Cowboys, often setting up favorable field position for the offense. His explosive speed makes him a constant threat on trick plays and jet sweeps, giving Dallas an X-factor in certain game situations.

Pro Bowl and All-Pro Recognition

Turpin’s special teams excellence hasn’t gone unnoticed. He was named to the Pro Bowl and earned a First-Team All-Pro selection as a return specialist in 2024, solidifying his status as one of the league’s premier special teams weapons.

His knack for breaking big plays has been invaluable, and Dallas recognizes that losing him would create a significant hole in their return game. Hence, the decision to place the second-round tender rather than a lower-tier option, which could have left him more vulnerable to being signed away.

Will Another Team Make a Move?

While Turpin’s talent is undeniable, is he worth a second-round pick to another team?

Why Teams Might Be Interested:

• Elite return ability: Teams lacking a dangerous return man could view Turpin as an instant upgrade.
• Explosive offensive potential: Coaches looking for a speed weapon in their offensive scheme may see value in Turpin beyond special teams.
• Aging playmakers: Teams with older returners or slot receivers might see Turpin as a dual-threat option for the future.

Why Teams Might Hesitate:

• Second-round pick cost: That’s a steep price for a player whose primary role is on special teams.
• Limited offensive role: While Turpin is a weapon, he’s not a traditional No. 1 or No. 2 receiver.
• Cap considerations: Teams must weigh whether his $5.34M salary fits into their financial plans.

Potential Suitors

While no team has made a move yet, a few franchises could be tempted to make a run at Turpin:

• New England Patriots – In desperate need of playmakers, and Bill Belichick has always valued strong special teams.
• Baltimore Ravens – A speed-heavy offense could use another deep-threat weapon.
• Atlanta Falcons – Lacking an elite returner, they might take a shot.

Still, the second-round price tag makes a move unlikely unless a team is truly convinced Turpin can be more than just a returner.

Cowboys’ Offseason Strategy

By placing the second-round tender, the Cowboys are signaling their intent to retain Turpin while focusing their offseason resources on other key areas. With major decisions looming on contracts for players like Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Micah Parsons, Dallas is balancing their roster management carefully.

Keeping Turpin ensures that Dallas maintains one of the league’s best returners, keeping their special teams among the elite. If no team makes a move, Turpin will return for the 2025 season under the $5.34 million tender, giving the Cowboys another year to evaluate his long-term fit.

Final Thoughts: Smart Move by Dallas?

By placing the second-round tender, the Cowboys have made a strategic decision that benefits them in multiple ways:

• Retains a valuable playmaker without committing long-term.
• Deters other teams from making a move due to the high draft pick compensation.
• Keeps roster flexibility while managing the salary cap.

Turpin has become a fan favorite in Dallas, and this move ensures that he remains a key part of the team—unless another team is willing to pay a steep price to lure him away.

For now, all signs point to KaVontae Turpin staying in Dallas, but in the NFL, anything can happen. If a team sees him as a must-have piece, the Cowboys may have a big decision to make in the coming weeks.