With incentives in his Cowboys contract, KaVontae Turpin needs a career-best performance to secure a significant payday in the season finale.
The NFL regular season is rapidly winding down, and in this last week of play, it’s common to see star players sitting out, either to rest for next year or to stay healthy for the playoffs.
But for some players, the final games carry added urgency: It’s their last chance to prove themselves, pad their stats, and reach milestones that could lead to one huge payday.
One player in particular who fits this description perfectly is Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Kavontae Turpin, who could be chasing big-dollar rewards in today's Week 18 season finale at the Giants.
Turpin has several incentives built into his contract that could boost his salary. One key benchmark is reaching 500 receiving yards on the season, which would trigger a $250,000 salary increase.
Just last week, a pay raise seemed highly unlikely. Turpin was sitting at 210 yards and needed 190 more in just two games. However, after an 86-yard touchdown reception against the Commanders on Christmas Day, the possibility of a late-season “holiday bonus” has suddenly become much more realistic.
Even so, the milestone remains a tall order. Turpin sits at 396 yrds, so he will need at least 104 receiving yards in the final game to reach the bonus threshold. Not only would that total mark a career high, but it would surpass his previous best of 86 yards, a mark he’s reached only twice in his career.
Adding to the challenge, Dak Prescott could leave the game early to stay healthy for next season, potentially placing Turpin’s production in the hands of backup quarterback Joe Milton III.
Still, there are reasons to believe Turpin’s odds of a breakout performance is possible. The Cowboys will face the New York Giants, a team that has struggled throughout the season and ranks near the bottom of the league defensively. The 3-13 Giants are likely to focus on keeping pace offensively while simply just trying to survive on defense.
The team’s first matchup earlier this season ended in a 40-37 shootout, and a similar script could unfold again.
Dallas could win comfortably, and if that happens, Prescott will most likely exit early. This scenario will most likely limit snaps for stars like CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens as well, opening the door for players like Turpin, Ryan Flournoy, and Jalen Tolbert to see an increased share of targets.
When Turpin gets the ball in his hands, his playmaking ability is undeniable. His explosiveness on special teams has begun to translate to the offensive side of the ball, where has shown the same home-run potential. There is also a strong chance the Giants defense will approach the game with a preseason-like mindset, giving younger inexperienced players extended reps, which could open the door for Turpin to take advantage and break out in a big way. For him to reach that goal, half the battle will be finding creative ways to get him the ball, because once it’s in his hands, everyone knows what he’s capable of.
Finally, if backup QB Milton steps in for 7-8-1 Dallas, accuracy could be a concern, but arm strength certainly won’t be. Milton possesses one of the strongest arms in the league, and a single explosive deep connection could be all that Turpin needs. One big play might be the difference between falling short and cashing in on a 104-yard, bonus-clinching performance.
Many players will be competing for nothing more than pride in this regular-season finale, but Turpin will be playing for far more. It’s a tall order, but with $250,000 on the line, Turpin has a chance to reach a big payday with just one big performance.