The Dallas Cowboys and kicker Brandon Aubrey remain at odds over a long-term contract extension, with the Pro Bowler stating the team’s current offer isn’t what he’s hoping for. Whereas the Cowboys are prepared to use a second-round tender on Aubrey, a move that would pay him $5.81 million for the 2026 season, the kicker is open to testing the free agent market to spot if a more lucrative deal is available. The situation highlights the complexities of valuing a specialist in today’s NFL, and the potential for a drawn-out negotiation.
Aubrey, who has quickly become a fan favorite in Dallas, has made 91.1% of his field goal attempts over the past two seasons, including an NFL-record six field goals from 60 yards or longer. His performance has established him as one of the league’s most accurate kickers, and he’s seeking a contract that reflects that value. The Cowboys initially offered a deal exceeding the current highest-paid kicker’s salary, but fell short of Aubrey’s reported request of $10 million per year. The current highest-paid kicker, Harrison Butker of the Kansas City Chiefs, earns an average of $6.4 million annually according to NBC Sports.
Second-Round Tender Details
The second-round tender allows Aubrey to solicit offers from other teams. If another team signs him to a contract the Cowboys don’t match, Dallas would receive a second-round draft pick as compensation. Aubrey acknowledged the tender is a “good problem to have” and represents a significant raise from his previous salary, but reiterated it’s “not the ideal” for any player. “It’s a good amount of money, and it’s a huge pay raise from before, but it’s not the ideal for any player,” Aubrey said Wednesday, via Cowboys Wire.
The Cowboys have been in discussions with Aubrey for months, but a gap remains between the team’s valuation and the kicker’s expectations. Initial reports suggested the Cowboys offered $7.5 million, but those figures were later corrected to be less than $7 million. Aubrey, 30, has been a consistent performer since joining the Cowboys, making the Pro Bowl in each of his three seasons. He has a career-long field goal of 65 yards, demonstrating his exceptional leg strength.
Aubrey Open to Exploring Options
Aubrey indicated he would explore other opportunities if presented with an offer the Cowboys are unwilling to match. “When you hit that restricted free agency, if you’re not testing the market, then you’re not doing what’s right for you and your family,” he stated. This stance underscores the importance of maximizing earning potential in a relatively short NFL career. While he expressed excitement about his current position with the Cowboys, he as well emphasized the require to prioritize his financial future.
Jerry Jones, the Cowboys’ owner, has stated the team has made a “good offer” to Aubrey, but details remain scarce. The Cowboys are navigating a tight salary cap situation and must balance retaining key players with maintaining financial flexibility. The team is also dealing with contract negotiations with wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, adding another layer of complexity to their offseason plans.
NFL insider Matthew Berry reported optimism that a deal will ultimately be reached between the Cowboys and Aubrey before the start of the 2026 season, predicting Aubrey will be the league’s highest-paid kicker according to Sports Illustrated. However, both sides acknowledge there is still “posturing” happening as they work towards a resolution.
Aubrey missed seven field goals in 2024 and six in 2025, with most of those misses coming from beyond 50 yards. Despite these misses, his overall accuracy and ability to make clutch kicks have made him a valuable asset to the Cowboys.
What comes next is a waiting game. Aubrey will likely gauge interest from other teams, while the Cowboys will assess their options. The situation could escalate if another team makes a significant offer, forcing Dallas to decide whether to match it or receive a second-round draft pick in return. The outcome will likely set a novel benchmark for kicker contracts in the NFL.
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