Brandon Aubrey, the Dallas Cowboys‘ standout kicker set to become a restricted free agent this March, is in the middle of high-stakes contract negotiations. The Cowboys have proposed a deal that would crown Aubrey as the highest-paid kicker in NFL history, reflecting his status as a three-time All-Pro, yet his agent is pushing for a contract valued closer to $10 million annually.
Negotiation Details and Salary Benchmarks
Currently, the NFL’s top kicker salary record is held by Harrison Butker of the Kansas City Chiefs, who earns $6.4 million per year. The Cowboys’ offer matches or exceeds this figure, but Aubrey’s camp believes his exceptional performance justifies a much larger deal. Discussions have been ongoing for several months, with no agreement reached as both sides remain apart on key contract terms.
We’ve been in talks with Aubrey [since] before the season started,
said Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones.
It’s been a journey, but we haven’t been able to get to a point where we can all agree, so it hasn’t gotten done, but we’d love to get him done.
Potential Solutions if No Long-Term Deal Is Reached
Reaching an agreement before March 11, when free agency begins, would secure Aubrey’s presence with the Cowboys and prevent other teams from making an offer. However, if negotiations stall, Dallas can still retain Aubrey for at least the 2026 season through other means. One primarily expected tool is the restricted free agency one-year tender, likely the first-round tender set at approximately $8.02 million, which could discourage other franchises from pursuing Aubrey.
This option remains viable despite Dallas’ plan to place the franchise tag on wide receiver George Pickens, which narrows the team’s maneuvering. The tender approach preserves Aubrey’s availability while the Cowboys continue efforts to reach a longer-term contract.
Aubrey’s Impact and NFL Records Strengthen His Value
Brandon Aubrey has solidified his reputation as one of the league’s most valuable kickers during his third season in Dallas. His 85.7% success rate on field goals includes 36 completions out of 42 attempts and a notable 64-yard field goal. Aubrey made NFL history on December 4, 2025, by hitting three field goals of 55 or more yards in a single game against the Detroit Lions, a first in the league’s history.
Additionally, he holds the NFL career record for field goals of 60 or more yards, with six such kicks. Aubrey’s consistent excellence earned him All-Pro honors three years running; he was a first-team selection in his rookie year of 2023 and secured second-team distinctions the two seasons that followed.
Implications for the Cowboys and the NFL Kicking Market
The outcome of these negotiations carries significant weight not only for the Cowboys’ roster stability but also for the market valuation of NFL kickers. Matching Aubrey’s demands would set a new benchmark for kicker salaries, reflecting the growing recognition of their impact on the game. Dallas’ willingness to invest heavily underscores Aubrey’s elite status and the organization’s commitment to retaining top talent amid competitive free agency pressures.
As the March deadline approaches, the Cowboys face a strategic balancing act between securing their star kicker and managing salary cap flexibility, with the football community closely monitoring this pivotal contract saga.
Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones on how close they’ve gotten in contract talks with K Brandon Aubrey and how they’re leaning towards putting the franchise tag on WR George Pickens.
Whether a new contract gets done or not, the Cowboys are planning for Pickens to be on the team in 2026. pic.twitter.com/PTLrWHWXbd
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) February 23, 2026
