Dallas Cowboys: NFL Insider Reveals Plans For All-Pro Kicker Brandon Aubrey
As the Dallas Cowboys approach a pivotal offseason, securing special teams stability appears to be a top priority. Reports indicate that the franchise is expected to place a second-round tender on All-Pro kicker Brandon Aubrey, a move that would effectively lock him into the roster for the 2026 season while negotiations for a long-term extension continue.
Dallas Cowboys Need To Secure Brandon Aubrey
Brandon Aubrey is set to become a restricted free agent (RFA) this offseason, giving the Cowboys specific mechanisms to retain his services. According to ESPN’s Todd Archer, the organization is “likely” to apply a second-round tender to the standout kicker. Because Aubrey entered the league as an undrafted free agent, a lower-level tender would not provide draft compensation if another team signed him to an offer sheet. By utilizing the second-round tender, Dallas ensures that any team attempting to sign Aubrey would have to forfeit a second-round draft pick—a price few franchises would be willing to pay for a kicker.
The projected cost of the second-round tender is estimated to be between $5.7 million and roughly $6 million for the 2026 season. While this is a significant cap hit for a kicker on a one-year deal, it guarantees that one of the league’s most reliable scoring weapons remains in Dallas.
Path to a Long-Term Extension
While the tender serves as a necessary placeholder, the ultimate goal for both parties appears to be a multi-year contract. Reports suggest that the Dallas Cowboys engaged in discussions with Aubrey’s agent, Todd France, last summer, though no deal was reached at that time.
The market for kickers has surged recently, with the Kansas City Chiefs’ Harrison Butker setting the bar at $6.4 million annually. Financial projections from Spotrac indicate that Aubrey’s market value could command a four-year deal worth approximately $25.8 million. If the Cowboys finalize a long-term agreement, they could structure the contract to lower his cap hit for the upcoming season relative to the tender amount, providing the team with much-needed financial flexibility as they navigate other roster needs.
From Soccer Pitch to All-Pro
Aubrey’s rise to NFL stardom is one of the more unique stories in recent years. A former collegiate soccer standout at Notre Dame and a first-round MLS draft pick, Aubrey pivoted to football after his soccer career concluded. He refined his skills in the USFL before joining the Cowboys for training camp in 2023.
Since taking over the kicking duties, Aubrey has been nothing short of a revelation. Over his first three seasons, he has converted 88.2% of his field goal attempts, ranking fifth all-time in accuracy, and has missed only a handful of extra points. His performance has earned him three Pro Bowl selections and consistent All-Pro recognition.
Strategic Offseason Ahead
Retaining Aubrey is just one piece of a complex offseason puzzle for Dallas. With decisions looming regarding other key free agents like wide receiver George Pickens, the front office has signaled an aggressive approach. However, securing a reliable kicker is often the foundation of a contending team. By leveraging the restricted free agency rules, the Cowboys are positioning themselves to keep a critical competitive advantage without immediately breaking the bank, buying time to hammer out a deal that keeps Aubrey in Dallas for the foreseeable future.
