Kicker Brandon Aubrey, currently a restricted free agent, is seeking a substantial contract as talks with the Dallas Cowboys are ongoing. Reports indicate that Aubrey is aiming for a $10 million annual deal, but as of now, the negotiations remain paused, with the player patiently awaiting progress on his next contract.
“Don’t really have much going at the moment,”
Aubrey said. “Just sitting around waiting.”
The Cowboys have offered a second-round tender to Aubrey, which would pay him $5.81 million in 2026. Although this represents a significant raise compared to his previous earnings, Aubrey noted that the tender is not the ideal situation for any player.
“Obviously, the tender is what the Cowboys have talked about, and it’s a good problem to have,”
he explained.
“It’s a good amount of money. It’s a big pay raise from before, but it’s not the ideal for any player. So we’ll see what happens. Excited to be in this position. It’s an opportunity for me … so I’m thankful for that.”
Aubrey also acknowledged that being a restricted free agent limits his ability to realize his full market value.
“When you hit that restricted free agency, if you’re not testing the market, then you’re not doing what’s right for you and your family,”
he said.
“So you have to do that, if that’s what it comes to.”
Current Player Dynamics in the NFL Front Offices and Roster Decisions
Meanwhile, other NFL teams are managing their own roster and front-office situations. Washington Commanders’ general manager Adam Peters reportedly did not find the game tape of tight end Isaiah Likely compelling enough to justify a $13 million per year contract offer. In a separate development, the Commanders expressed interest in wide receiver Romeo Doubs before he agreed to terms with the New England Patriots.
Von Miller, who recently completed his contract with Washington, is now a fully unrestricted free agent. On the Rich Eisen Show, Miller shared his desire to potentially return to the Denver Broncos if the Commanders do not re-sign him. He explained that he missed the opportunity to properly close his chapter in Denver and would welcome the chance for closure with the Broncos.
“If something were to happen and I’m not a Washington Commander, then I would love to go to the Denver Broncos,”
Miller said.
“I didn’t get that chance to have closure. I didn’t get to walk into the stadium and be like, ‘OK, this is my last game’ or ‘I’m gonna do this with the fans.’ I didn’t get that closure. So, I would love to have closure with the Denver Broncos. And if, hey, the Commanders don’t want me, the Denver Broncos don’t want me, there’s a team out there that’s gonna pick me up that would love to have my tricks on their roster. I just play it by ear. This is my second time around doing it. I kind of know what to expect. Just got to make the best out of whatever decision I get.”
Giants’ Front Office Stability Amid New Leadership
The New York Giants have recently undergone changes in their football operations structure, including the appointment of Dawn Aponte as senior vice president of football operations. Despite speculation about adjustments in responsibilities, general manager Joe Schoen affirmed his role remains intact and that he continues to lead the football operations.
“I’m still the general manager of the team, and my role has not changed,”
Schoen said.
“I’m still tasked with leading the entire football operation.”
Head coach John Harbaugh described Aponte’s role as integral to ensuring that all front-office systems work cohesively.
“Someone like Dawn helps Joe and I, the three of us really, working together to make sure that all of our systems are integrated,”
Harbaugh said.
Implications for Brandon Aubrey’s Career and NFL Contract Market
Brandon Aubrey’s situation reflects the complexities faced by restricted free agents in securing contracts that match their market value. While the Cowboys’ second-round tender offers monetary security, Aubrey’s openness to exploring market options underscores the tension between team control and player earning potential in restricted free agency.
As negotiations continue, Aubrey’s patience and readiness to evaluate opportunities elsewhere may influence the Cowboys’ approach to finalizing his contract. Meanwhile, the movement of players like Von Miller and the Commanders’ roster considerations highlight the dynamic nature of NFL free agency ahead of the new season.
https://twitter.com/RichEisenShow/status/2028929558263808082
I had heard that Adam Peters and the Commanders' front office weren't enamored with Isaiah Likely's tape.
Jayden Daniels was a fan. Had lunch with him during SB week in SF. But WSH's front office obviously didn't want to go to $13M a year for him.
— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) March 9, 2026
The Washington Commanders were also in on Doubs.
He picks Drake Maye and the Pats. https://t.co/9l0YR8zz1l
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 10, 2026
