The Dallas Cowboys have successfully secured a new contract for star kick returner KaVontae Turpin. Turpin has committed to a lucrative three-year, $18 million deal, making him potentially the highest-paid special teams player in NFL history. Turpin achieved acclaim by returning both a punt and a kickoff for touchdowns last year, which earned him his first All-Pro recognition. Initially on track to become a restricted free agent, Turpin’s new contract solidifies his place within the Cowboys organization.
Joining the Cowboys in 2022 after showcasing impressive skills in the USFL, Turpin quickly captured attention. His remarkable ability was evident when he nailed both a punt return and a kickoff return for touchdowns in a single preseason game, securing his spot on the roster. Over time, Turpin has carved out a role on offense, catching three touchdown passes and rushing for another in 2023. Last season, he accumulated a career-high 420 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
In terms of contract renewals, punter Bryan Anger inked a new two-year agreement, solidifying the kicking unit, with Nick Sorensen stepping in as the new special teams coordinator, replacing John Fassel. Long snapper Trent Sieg also secured a fresh contract.
On the defensive front, Dallas is strengthening its lineup with the addition of defensive linemen Solomon Thomas and Payton Turner, both former first-round draft picks. Thomas, who played for the New York Jets over the past three seasons, agreed to a two-year deal worth up to $8 million. He began his career as the third overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers. Meanwhile, Turner is set to sign a one-year contract after spending four years with the New Orleans Saints.
Thomas, 29, returns to his native Dallas area and reunites with his former Jets defensive line coach, Aaron Whitecotton, under the guidance of Brian Schottenheimer, the Cowboys’ new head coach. In his time with the Jets, he showed resilience, missing only one game in two seasons and achieving 8.5 sacks. Turner, 26, recorded five sacks in 31 games with the Saints and participated in a personal best of 16 games last season.
Solidifying the defensive line further, the Cowboys have re-signed defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa on a substantial $80 million, four-year contract. The third-round pick from 2021 will continue contributing to a defense that also retains nose tackle Mazi Smith, the only other defensive lineman with NFL experience to return.
