Why the Cowboys Should Take a Measured Approach with Brandon Aubrey’s Next Contract
Brandon Aubrey has been one of the most pleasant surprises in Dallas over the past season. A year ago, few outside of the Cowboys’ building knew his name.
Now? He’s an All-Pro kicker with one of the most reliable legs in the league and a reputation for drilling long-range field goals like they’re extra points.
But as impressive as his rise has been, the Cowboys would be wise to take a deep breath before rushing into a long-term deal.
Let’s be clear: Aubrey has earned his flowers. He’s been as steady as they come, and his ability to consistently hit from deep has added a new dimension to Dallas’ offensive game.
In a league where special teams often tilt close games, having a kicker like Aubrey is no small luxury. But just because he’s valuable doesn’t mean the Cowboys need to open the vault right away.
The Cap Game: Every Dollar Counts
When you’re building a 53-man roster under a hard salary cap, every dollar matters-especially for a team like Dallas, which has big decisions looming on both sides of the ball. And while kicker contracts don’t typically break the bank (Harrison Butker’s $6.4 million per year currently tops the market), the cumulative impact of overpaying at any position can limit flexibility elsewhere.
Aubrey is set to hit restricted free agency this offseason. That gives the Cowboys more control over his future than if he were unrestricted.
They can place a tender on him, match any offer sheet he receives, or even receive compensation if he signs elsewhere. In short, Dallas holds the cards here.
There’s no need to rush into a deal that could age poorly if the front office hasn’t fully assessed its broader roster needs.
A Late-Season Dip Worth Noting
While Aubrey’s early-season performance turned heads league-wide, his production did taper off down the stretch. And for a player whose calling card is long-distance accuracy, even a slight dip in consistency raises eyebrows. That doesn’t erase what he accomplished, but it does complicate the evaluation heading into contract talks.
Spotrac currently pegs Aubrey’s market value at $6.5 million annually-a fair number if he maintains his All-Pro form. But if that late-season regression becomes a trend, that price tag starts to look a bit steep.
Just ask Kansas City and Green Bay, who handed out big deals to Harrison Butker and Brandon McManus, only to see their production decline in 2025. Those are cautionary tales Dallas can’t afford to ignore.
No Need to Outbid Themselves
Make no mistake: the Cowboys want Aubrey back, and it would be shocking to see him kicking elsewhere in 2026. But that confidence can’t morph into complacency. The worst thing Dallas could do is overpay for a player they already have the inside track to re-sign.
That’s why patience is key. Let the market take shape.
Use the leverage that comes with restricted free agency. And most importantly, take a full accounting of the roster’s needs before committing major dollars to the kicking game.
Aubrey has been a revelation-and he deserves credit for that. But smart front offices don’t pay for past performance; they invest in future value. If the Cowboys want to keep building a contender, they’ll need to make sure every contract, even at kicker, fits into the bigger picture.
Brandon Aubrey’s story is one of the best in recent Cowboys memory. Now it’s on the front office to make sure it ends with both sides winning.