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Todd Archer
FRISCO, Texas — All-Pro returner KaVontae Turpin, who was set to become a restricted free agent, and the Dallas Cowboys agreed to a three-year, $18 million deal with $5.5 million guaranteed, sources told ESPN.
Without the extension, Turpin was likely to receive the second-round tender of $5.3 million, but now he gets more security, and the Cowboys retain one of their top playmakers.
Turpin led the NFL in kickoff return average (33.5 yards) in the first year of the dynamic kickoff and had a 99-yard return for a touchdown against the Washington Commanders. His average was the second highest in the league since the 1970 merger. He also had a punt return for a touchdown, becoming the only player in the league last season with kick and punt returns for a score.
Turpin also became the first Cowboy to have punt, kickoff and receiving touchdowns in one season.
He caught a career-high 31 passes for 420 yards and two scores, including a 64-yarder. He ran 16 times for 92 yards.
Turpin, 28, joined the Cowboys in 2022 after winning MVP honors in the USFL while with the New Jersey Generals.
Also Tuesday, the Cowboys agreed to a one-year deal with DE Payton Turner, according to sources.
The former first-round pick of the New Orleans Saints in the 2021 NFL draft has been slowed by injuries over the early portion of his career, but registered two sacks, four pass deflections and two forced fumbles in 16 games last season.
On Sunday, the Cowboys agreed to a three-year deal worth $9 million with their other pending restricted free agent, safety Markquese Bell.
