3 reasons why KaVontae Turpin should be the Cowboys WR3 in 2024

Between now and the 2024 season opener against the Cleveland Browns in Week 1, there will be no shortage of position battles and individual players to keep a close watchful eye on. As far as position battles go, what takes place behind CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks at wide receiver could be one of the more entertaining ones to watch.

With Michael Gallup now out of the picture, the Dallas Cowboys will be looking for a new WR3 to replace him. They have several candidates who will be battling it out to earn the job, but there may be one player who could potentially stand out above the rest. Due to his unique skill set, there's reason to believe KaVontae Turpin could emerge from the pack.

Today, we are going to discuss why the Cowboys primary kick and punt returner could finally see his role on the offensive side of the ball expand significantly as their new WR3 this year. An increased offensive role was expected last year for No. 9, but unfortunately never really materialized. Maybe 2024 will finally be Turpin Time!

Reason #1 - Speed and agility

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The Cowboys offense is currently lacking a true speed element to strike fear in opposing defenses. Brandin Cooks is currently the biggest speed threat, but after more than a decade in the league the 4.33 40-yard dash speed he once had may have diminished a bit. Turpin. on the other hand, seems to have speed to spare.

Whether it's in the return game or the few touches he's had on offense, No. 9 has already proven on numerous occasions his speed (4.31) can be a difference-maker. It's not just a straight line speed though. His ability to start and stop on a dime and accelerate to top speed instantly helps make him a home run threat any time he touches the ball.

Reason #2 - Versatility

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Turpin has the skill set to be a versatile offensive weapon for the Cowboys if used correctly. Whether he stretches the field vertically as a legit deep threat, works underneath in the short to intermediate routes, or out of the backfield as a runner/gadget player, No. 9 possesses the versatility to be a weapon on all three levels of the field.

Believe it or not, he could bring the same type of versatility Tyreek Hill is known for to the Cowboys offense. Obviously he’s not on the level of Hill, but Turpin has the same type of speed and agility to bring similar versatility to be used in a multitude of ways like the Miami Dolphins playmaker. That alone sets him apart from the rest of his competition currently on Dallas' roster.

Reason #3 - Dak Prescott/Mike McCarthy's best friend

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With the exception of CeeDee Lamb and Cooks, there's not another player on the entire roster capable of making the lives of both Dak Prescott and Mike McCarthy easier in 2024. The ease in which Turpin creates separation gives Prescott another QB-friendly weapon in the passing game and his versatility would help McCarthy's play-calling.

There are no limits as to how the Cowboys QB and play caller could take advantage of Turpin's unique skill set. His speed, agility, and versatility are something that has to be accounted for by opposing defenses anytime he is on the field. Whether the play is designed to go to him or as a decoy, he opens up the entire playbook for the offense.