$10 Million a Year for a Kicker? Cowboys’ Aubrey Negotiations Spark League-Wide Debate

The Dallas Cowboys find themselves in a high-stakes free agency standoff this offseason and it involves one of the most critical yet overlooked players on the roster: special teams ace Brandon Aubrey. As the three-time Pro Bowl kicker heads toward restricted free agency, both sides are struggling to bridge a contract gap that could reshape the NFL kicker market. 

Why This Matters: Aubrey Is More Than Just a Kicker

Brandon Aubrey has become one of the most valuable kickers in football since joining the Cowboys in 2023. He has been selected to the Pro Bowl in each of his three NFL seasons and is a three-time All-Pro, demonstrating consistent elite production. In 2025 alone, he converted 36 of 42 field goal attempts and was among the most reliable scorers in the league. 

Notably, Aubrey holds NFL records for most field goals of 60 yards or more in a career and has a long of 65 yards, making him a weapon not just on routine kicks but in game-changing situations. 

Contract Standoff: Record Money on the Table?

The negotiation has dominated offseason headlines because of the money reportedly involved.

• The Cowboys have reportedly offered Aubrey a contract that would make him the highest-paid kicker in NFL history, topping the current mark held by Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, who earns about $6.4 million per season. 
• Some reports suggest Aubrey’s camp is seeking nearly $10 million per year, a jump that would reset the kicker market. 

If true, that kind of payday would be unprecedented for the position, far surpassing even the elite kickers currently under contract.

Aubrey Pushes Back on the Rumors

In a twist that added fuel to the drama, Aubrey himself fired back at some of the media reports this week. The Cowboys kicker took to social media and wrote “Fake” in response to reports claiming he was asking for a $10 million deal, while his wife added “False” to similar posts. 

His agent also waded into the conversation, calling the rumors a byproduct of the NFL Combine media frenzy rather than an accurate reflection of the talks. 

What Happens Next? Restricted Free Agency Options

Because Aubrey is a restricted free agent, the Cowboys have some leverage:

• Dallas can place a second-round tender, carrying a projected salary of about $5.8 million for 2026. If another team makes an offer and Dallas declines to match it, the Cowboys would receive a second-round draft pick as compensation. 
• If talks stall or if Aubrey feels undervalued, that tender could be the fallback ensuring he stays in Dallas even without a long-term deal. 

Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones said that conversations have been ongoing since before the 2025 season, calling the process “a journey” but expressing a desire to reach a deal. 

Why This Could Be a Big NFL Story

This negotiation isn’t just about one kicker’s contract it could set a new benchmark for the position across the league. If Dallas agrees to pay Aubrey at or near his reported asking price, it would fundamentally change how teams value elite kicking performance.

That’s especially significant in an era where kickers are relied upon more than ever in close games and Dallas knows that better than most. Aubrey’s range and accuracy have been a difference-maker in key moments, and his place in the Cowboys’ postseason aspirations is not trivial. 

Outlook: Will Aubrey Stay in Dallas?

For now, the situation remains fluid:

• The Cowboys want Aubrey back and appear willing to make him the top-paid kicker in NFL history. 
• Aubrey and his camp have pushed back on some of the reported numbers. 
• A restricted free agent tender remains a safety net for Dallas if a long-term deal can’t be reached. 

Stay tuned, this contract saga could be one of the most talked-about NFL storylines of the offseason.

Source: CBS Sports

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