The Dallas Cowboys are gearing up for a defensive overhaul this spring, aiming to break a two-year playoff drought. Executive Vice President Stephen Jones has hinted at the possibility of trading first-round draft picks to fill crucial gaps in the roster. This urgency is compounded by ongoing contract talks with All-Pro kicker Brandon Aubrey.
Jones has expressed the team's desire to keep their elite kicker, though negotiations have been anything but straightforward. The memories of drawn-out talks, like the one leading to the Micah Parsons trade, still linger, leaving fans anxious for a smoother resolution this time around.
Both the Cowboys and Aubrey’s agent agree on his value as the NFL’s top kicker, yet they remain far apart on numbers. The Cowboys have offered a deal surpassing the league’s top average of $6.4 million per year, currently held by Kansas City's Harrison Butker.
However, Aubrey's camp is aiming for something closer to $10 million annually. Jones noted that talks started last season but have stalled, saying, “It has been a journey, but we haven't been able to reach a point of agreement.”
He added, “We'd love to get it done.” With Aubrey as a restricted free agent, Dallas is likely to use a second-round tender worth nearly $5.8 million to keep him for 2026.
Aubrey is a key piece for the Cowboys, having set records for field goals of 60 yards or longer. As the free agency period looms in early March, the Cowboys face a critical decision: continue their pattern of last-minute signings or take decisive action to strengthen their 2026 roster and end their playoff absence.