Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey, a consistent Pro Bowler, stands at a crossroads as NFL Free Agency begins Monday. The Plano native is unsure whether he will continue his career with his hometown Dallas team or move to another franchise offering a better opportunity amid ongoing contract negotiations.
Restricted Free Agent Status Shapes Negotiation Dynamics
Aubrey is a restricted free agent, meaning the Cowboys can match any offer to retain him or receive compensation if they let him sign elsewhere. Dallas has placed a second-round tender on Aubrey, indicating a planned salary around $5.8 million for 2026 if no other bids arrive. Should another team propose a contract exceeding that amount, Dallas can match the offer or accept a second-round draft pick as payment for losing their kicker.
This structure clearly gives the Cowboys significant bargaining power, as they can either keep their All-Pro kicker at a set salary or trade him for a valuable draft asset to address other team needs.
Aubrey’s Perspective and Personal Considerations
Discussing his current situation at the TOCA Social opening in Grandscape, The Colony, Aubrey described his wait for a decision with some frustration.
“I don’t really have much going on at the moment. Just sitting around waiting,”
he said. Regarding the second-round tender, he noted,
“Obviously, the [second round] tender is what the Cowboys have talked about. It’s a good amount of money. It’s a big pay raise for me from before, but it’s not ideal for any player, so we’ll see what happens.”
Aubrey stressed the importance of exploring options.
“When you hit restricted free agency, if you’re not testing the market, then you’re not doing what’s right for you and your family,”
he added.
“So you have to do that if that’s what it comes to.”
Turning 31 this month, Aubrey and his wife Jenn anticipate the arrival of their second child in June. While his family remains rooted in North Texas, he acknowledged that his emotional attachment to Dallas may not dictate his playing future.
“My home will always be home, and I’ll always come back here, but that’s not gonna keep me here necessarily,”
he said.
Implications as Free Agency Approaches
With free agency imminent, Brandon Aubrey’s next move remains unknown. The Cowboys hold the financial advantage to either retain a key player or leverage his value in draft capital. Aubrey’s readiness to test the market underlines the personal and professional complexities involved. The outcome will affect not just Aubrey’s career path, but potentially the Cowboys’ roster strategy moving forward. As Monday arrives, all parties will gain clarity on this pivotal decision.
