FRISCO, Texas - Football season is getting closer and closer.
The Cowboys are set to depart for training camp in less a month. That's when we'll get the first up-close look at Brian Schottenheimer's first season with this revised roster and coaching staff. When we get to Oxnard, that's when we'll start to get some real answers about this 2025 Cowboys team.
But what are the questions? We've compiled our annual list of pressing questions that need answers heading into the regular season. The staff writers, consisting of Patrik Walker, Tommy Yarrish, Nick Eatman, Mickey Spagnola, Kyle Youmans and Kurt Daniels, weigh in on some of the pressing issues.
Today, we'll kick off the series with a question regarding KaVontae Turpin, who has made the Pro Bowl each of the last two years as a return specialist. He signed a new contract in the offseason, but with the new changes to the kickoff rule, plus a new play-caller, will he have an expanded role on offense as well.
20) Do you see a new role for KaVontae Turpin?
Nick: I hope so. I think he's one of the most dangerous players in all of the NFL, when he's in space. That's the problem sometimes – getting him the ball with enough room to do something. But it's been told that Brian Schottenheimer was one of the reasons Turpin got the ball more later in the season last year, even running the ball in between the tackles. I think Schotty knows the value in Turpin and will make sure he's going to get plenty of opportunities.
As for his role, I think he's just a hybrid player that's not really one of the wide receivers or running backs, but just a combination of both. And because of the proposed kickoff rule changes, if teams get the ball at the 35 on a touchback, we're going to see more opportunities for a return, giving Turpin even more chances, and space, to make a play. He's such a weapon but the Cowboys need to figure out how to use him better.
Patrik: This is one I'm extremely interested in watching unfold. It's no surprise that I've been waiting, and waiting, and waiting for the Cowboys' offense to begin utilizing Turpin more, and I got glimpses of my wish coming true a time or two over the past two seasons. After being a virtual afterthought offensively, Dallas figured out his speed and shiftiness could keep defenses gasping for air and it led to, ultimately, a career season for him on that side of the ball in 2024. But just when I believed he might be mostly (not fully) unleashed in 2025, the team traded for a dynamo in George PIckens. That tells me that despite the multi-year extension awarded to Turpin the Returner, Turpin the Receiver will likely be relegated to spot duty behind Lamb, Pickens and Tolbert going forward. I, for one, feel his abilities need to be given more than just the opportunity for jet sweeps and the occasional outlet pass, and I hope the Cowboys figure out how to get him more touches.
Mickey: Not sure I see a new role but rather an expanded role. If the OTA and minicamp practices are any indication, seems Brian Schottenheimer wants to utilize Turpin in the slot more often, and that doesn't mean little, short routes, but getting him in some one-on-one situations down the field to more utilize his speed. Now remember, Turpin did finish fifth last year with 31 receptions for 420 yards and two receiving touchdowns, the most productive season of his first three years. He also had 16 carries for 92 yards, third on the team but first with a 5.8-yard average, this on just 26.9 per cent of the snaps. And remember the Cowboys did re-sign the prospective restricted free agent to a three-year, $13.5 million contract, with $ 5 million guaranteed, an indication they expect more from the Pro Bowl kick returner in the offense.
Kurt: Last season, Turpin recorded 47 touches overall on offense, which ranked sixth on the team. With that in mind, here's betting that CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Jake Ferguson and whoever is the lead running back will have more touches than Turpin in 2025. And there's a good chance Dallas' second running back could top him as well. So I really don't think we'll suddenly see a huge jump in Turpin's offensive opportunities this year. Now, perhaps what could change is how he's used. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer has talked about utilizing more motion in an effort to get guys out in space, which would play right into Turpin's strengths. Let's hope that happens. Regardless, even if he doesn't see a larger role within the offense, that doesn't make him any less valuable. Turpin is one of the top return men in the NFL, and his standout efforts on special teams will continue to be where the Cowboys need him most.
