Dallas Cowboys wide receiver KaVontae Turpin reportedly was arrested on weapon and marijuana charges in Allen, Texas on Sunday morning, according to Collin County court records.
Turpin, who signed a three-year, $18 million deal with Dallas in the offseason, was an All-Pro in the 2024 season and was named a Pro Bowler for the second time in his career. The new contract made Turpin the highest-paid special teams player in the NFL.
The 28-year-old was booked at the Collin County jail for possession of marijuana and unlawful carrying of a weapon. The charges are both misdemeanors, and Turpin’s bond amount was listed at $500.
As the Cowboys get closer and closer to training camp, it’s not a great sign that one of their most important special teams players is dealing with these charges. Hopefully, it won’t impact Turpin’s ability to prepare for the upcoming NFL season.
The 2024 season was a huge one for Turpin, as he was a threat both on special teams and for the Cowboys on offense.
After making just 13 total catches over his first two NFL seasons, Turpin caught 31 of his 52 targets in the 2024 season. He turned those catches into 420 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns.
Dallas also got Turpin involved a bit in the running game, handing it off to him 16 times. He racked up 92 yards on those carries (5.8 yards per carry), but he did not find the end zone.
While those numbers aren’t huge for an offensive player, Turpin’s value comes in the return game for Dallas.
In the 2024 season, he had 18 punt returns for 187 yards and one touchdown, and he led the NFL in kick return yards with 904. Turpin also scored a touchdown on a kick return, and averaged an NFL-best 33.5 yards per kick return in the 2024 season.
There’s no doubt that Turpin’s prowess returning kicks has helped Dallas gain a few extra yards before starting some of its offensive possessions.
The 2025 season will be Turpin’s fourth in the NFL.
He played collegiately in Texas at Texas Christian University, but he went undrafted in 2019 due to off-field issues. Hopefully, Turpin’s recent arrest isn’t a sign of more trouble to come for the Dallas receiver.
He and the Cowboys will open up their 2025 season on Sept. 4 against the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.
