If I had any guts, I’d put the Dallas Cowboys’ special teams at No. 1 in our position group rankings. By any objective measure, this is the best group on the roster. Brandon Aubrey is arguably the best kicker in football. KaVontae Turpin is the best return man in football. Both earned All-Pro honors last year. And Bryan Anger remains rock solid, with two All-Pro selections in his four years as the Cowboys’ punter.
Special teams doesn’t carry the same weight as, say, quarterback or pass rush, and that’s ultimately why they land at No. 3. But when it comes to close games—especially in the postseason—this group can swing outcomes. They’re explosive in the return game, steady in coverage, and nearly automatic when it comes to field goals from deep.
Breaking Down The Cowboys’ Special Teams Unit In 2025
The Cowboys’ Kicking Game Is A Real Weapon
When the Cowboys brought in Aubrey in 2023, no one expected him to be the best kicker in the league. But here we are, and that’s exactly what he’s become. The former pro soccer player-turned software engineer-turned All-Pro kicker has become a true weapon. He set an NFL record with 14 made field goals of 50+ yards last year, and led the league with 14 more from 40-49 yards. He was perfect on extra points and became a scoring threat anytime the offense crossed midfield.
On the punting side, Bryan Anger continues to be exactly what Dallas needs: dependable, controlled, and capable of flipping field position. He averaged over 48 yards per punt in 2024 and finished just outside of the top 10 in net yardage. Now entering his fifth season in Dallas with two All-Pro selections under his belt, Anger remains a steady special teams weapon.
Having both of these specialists gives the Cowboys a big edge, especially in close games. They are capable of winning the field position and kicking battle week after week. That’s a luxury most teams don’t have, and it’s a big reason why this unit ranks so high on our list.
The League’s Unexpected Best Return Man
The Cowboys haven’t had a return man this dynamic since… who? Deion? After coming out of nowhere in 2022, Turpin turned into a full-blown weapon in 2024, earning First-Team All-Pro honors as a return specialist. He led the league kick return yards, touchdowns, and yards per return. He also returned a punt for a score. Turpin consistently flips field position and gives the Cowboys’ offense a shorter field to work with.
His top-end speed and fearless running style make him a threat to score every time he touches the ball. Even when he doesn’t break one, opposing coordinators are forced to game plan around him.
Kick to him at your own peril.
Outside of the return game, the Cowboys also have a sound coverage unit led by veteran captain C.J. Goodwin. They keep returns in check and play with discipline, no small feat in today’s flag-heavy NFL.
At a time when most return games are an afterthought, the Cowboys have a unit that changes momentum and wins field position battles. Turpin is the centerpiece, and he gives this group the kind of edge most teams would kill for.
Cowboys Special Teams Can Be A Game Changer
Special teams might not carry the same headline value of offense or defense, but in Dallas, it’s quietly become one of the team’s biggest strengths. With Brandon Aubrey locking down the kicking game, Bryan Anger flipping field position, and KaVontae Turpin changing momentum, the Cowboys have elite talent in every phase. Add in a disciplined coverage unit and strong veteran leadership, and this group is more than solid. They’re a weapon.
That’s why, gutless as it may be, Dallas Cowboys special teams land at No. 3 in our position group rankings. Frankly, they deserve to be higher.
Main Image: Tim Heitman – Imagn Images
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