What's Happening?
Brandon Aubrey, the kicker for the Dallas Cowboys, is in discussions for a new contract as he approaches restricted free agency. According to reports, Aubrey and his agent, Todd France, are negotiating with the Cowboys to make him the highest-paid kicker in the NFL.
The current offer from the Cowboys exceeds the league-high average salary of $6.4 million per season, set by Harrison Butker, but falls short of the $10 million per season that France is reportedly seeking. Aubrey, a Notre Dame product, had a successful 2025 season, making 36 of his 42 field-goal attempts and scoring 155 points, ranking third among NFL kickers. The Cowboys are expected to place a second-round tender on Aubrey, which would cost the team approximately $5.8 million.
Why It's Important?
The contract negotiations for Brandon Aubrey highlight the increasing value and strategic importance of kickers in the NFL. As teams look to secure reliable special teams players, the financial stakes for top-performing kickers are rising. Aubrey's potential new contract could set a precedent for future negotiations, impacting salary expectations across the league. For the Cowboys, securing Aubrey could be crucial for maintaining their competitive edge, given his performance in the previous season. The outcome of these negotiations could influence how other teams approach contract renewals with their key players, particularly in specialized positions.
What's Next?
As Aubrey approaches restricted free agency, the Cowboys must decide whether to meet his salary demands or risk losing him to another team willing to pay more. The decision to place a second-round tender on Aubrey suggests the Cowboys are keen to retain him, but the financial terms will be critical. Other NFL teams may monitor these negotiations closely, as they could impact the market for kickers and other special teams players. The resolution of this contract could also affect the Cowboys' salary cap and their ability to make other roster moves in the offseason.
