As the NFL moves closer to OTAs (Organized Team Activities), rosters have yet to take a shape we can recognize.
The Dallas Cowboys will begin their OTAs on May 21st and it will run through the 23rd where the coaches can gauge how the rookies respond to working with the veterans for the first time.
One of the biggest storylines this off-season has been star WR CeeDee Lamb not being present at voluntary workouts.
People, the term voluntary should be the biggest clue that not attending is not the end of the world.
Yes, his lack of participation is likely due to his ongoing contract negotiations. Along with Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase, three of the top wide receivers in the NFL are in line for new contracts at the same time.
Interestingly, Lamb and Jefferson are reportedly waiting for each other’s deals to get done, but each of their agents works for the same agency.
There surely is a play there to squeeze as much money out of their respective teams as possible, and somewhere out there Stephen Jones is lying awake thinking about it.
Beyond Lamb and fellow veteran Brandin Cooks, the Cowboys wide receiver corps is relatively inexperienced after Michael Gallup was released to free agency.
The focus has been placed on third-year WR Jalen Tolbert to step up into the lead WR3 role, and rightfully so.
Tolbert was deemed “NFL-ready” when he was drafted out of Southern Alabama with the 88th overall pick in the 3rd round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
He was definitely more involved in 2023, but still only has 22 receptions to his name over the first two years of his career.
What if I told you there is another player who Tolbert could cede snaps to next season, and he’s currently being overlooked?
KaVontae Turpin
For some reason, KaVontae Turpin is being completely overlooked when we talk about wide receivers who can make an impact on the Cowboys’ offense in 2024.
Turpin was signed by the Cowboys from the USFL after winning MVP of that league just before training camp of the 2022 season.
He was signed for his speed and shiftiness, specifically to boost an anemic return game for ST Coach Jon “Bones” Fassel.
It didn’t take long for him to cement his place in the team after returning not one, but two kicks for touchdowns in a preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Turpin has yet to return one for a touchdown in the regular season, but the new kickoff rules could change that.
Perhaps that is why he is being overlooked for more offensive snaps. Everyone is excited to see him impact on returns, forgetting he can contribute to the offense.
I’m here to tell you he shouldn’t be overlooked. Turpin saw an increased role in the offense in 2023 after playing primarily special teams in his rookie season.
I believe a more increased role in Mike McCarthy’s offense in year three shouldn’t be ruled out. The opportunity is there, and the Cowboys appeared to trust him more towards the end of the season.
Turpin’s total stats are nothing to write home about, but the impact of his touches should raise some eyebrows as to why he hasn’t been used more often.
In 2023, Turpin received 22 touches on offense, 10 rushes and 12 receptions averaging 10.3 yards per touch.
Turpin literally averages a first down each time he touches the ball. New wide receivers like 6th-round draft pick Ryan Flournoy can’t say that yet.
Neither can the consensus WR3 already on the team, Jalen Tolbert. Those in Cowboys Nation projecting starting rosters for the upcoming season would be wise to keep him in mind.