​Despite turning 30 next month, KaVontae Turpin should remain the Cowboys’ fastest man in 2026. But while that’s made him a perennial Pro Bowler as a return specialist, it’s never really translated to a significant offensive role. With a lot of new players in the mix this summer, just how strong is Turpin’s grip on his roster spot?Years in NFL: 4Acquired by: Free agent (2022)AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementDespite reported 4.31 speed and nation-leading stats as a punt returner coming out of TCU in 2019, the NFL seemingly shut Turpin out because of multiple off-field issues related to domestic violence. He was dismissed by the Horned Frogs in October 2018 because of these repeated incidents, having to hold his own private workout for scouts as he wasn’t invited to the Combine or TCU’s Pro Day. He went undrafted in 2019 and signed with a team in the Indoor Football League a year later, but never played due to the COVID-19 pandemic.Turpin continued to find work in alternative professional leagues from 2021-2022: another indoor league, The Spring League, the European League, and then the USFL. His one year with the New Jersey Generals was a big one. being named USFL Most Valuable Player for his work on offense and in the return game.A few weeks later, Turpin was signed by the Cowboys at the start of their 2022 training camp. He cemented his role as the team’s return specialist with two long touchdowns, one on a kickoff and the other on a punt, in a preseason game against the Chargers. He was a true specialist as a rookie, only getting four touches on offense, but earning a Pro Bowl trip as a returner.Coaches have since tried to find more ways to get Turpin the ball. He was targeted 18 times in 2023, 52 in 2024, and 38 last year. He’s also had between 11 and 17 rushing attempts in each of the last three seasons. But the return work, which has led to three Pro Bowls and two All-Pro selections, is what’s kept him employed.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementYears Left: 22026 Cap Hit: $4.64 millionBecause he remains on the bottom half of the WR depth chart, Turpin’s contract could put him in the crosshair. The average value of his contract puts him in the top 60 for all NFL receivers, which is hardly where he ranks in terms of offensive contribution. Without the accolades as a returner, he’d be a goner.Role: Backup WR & KR/PR SpecialistRoster Chance: 90%If another player with more value on offense and defense can also be a solid return man, Dallas could decide that there’s a better use for Turpin’s money and roster spot. We don’t think it’s likely, hence the 90%, but it’s not unreasonable. And as he does turn 30 this August, Turpin’s most important asset is always at risk of declining. Any diminished speed could quickly be his undoing.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementOne threat who’s likely to be on the team and in a significant role is RB Jaydon Blue. A speedster in his own right, Blue is the