Brandon Aubrey’s contract extension is the result of one of the smartest gambles the Dallas Cowboys have made in years
The Dallas Cowboys front office is often criticized for its way of doing things. But when it comes to the Brandon Aubrey negotiations, they hit the ball out of the park.
If you have read my Dallas Cowboys content before, you’ll know I’m very critical of the way the Jerry Jones-led front office does things. A lot of it has to do with how they’ve handled negotiations with players in line to become the highest-paid at their positions.
But when it comes to their negotiations with All-Pro kicker Brandon Aubrey, I believed they cooked, as the kids say.
On Monday, the Cowboys announced they and Aubrey reached a four-year contract extension worth $28 million. The deal makes him the highest-paid kicker in NFL history at $7 million per year and features $20 million in guaranteed money.
Cowboys nailed the Brandon Aubrey negotiations
Earlier in the year, reports emerged on Aubrey’s camp seeking nearly $10 million per year. At the time, Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker sat atop the list at only $6.4 million per year.
Faced with an impasse in negotiations, the Cowboys smartly used their leverage. This time, they had plenty of it.
The Cowboys opted for the second-round tender. With it, Aubrey was set to make $5.8 million in 2026. And while he was allowed to negotiate with other teams as a restricted free agent, it wasn’t going to be an easy task.
That’s because if the Cowboys declined to match another team’s offer, the acquiring team would be required to give up a second-round pick. Dallas’ gamble was clear. No front office in the league was going to give up a second rounder plus sign Aubrey to a historic deal.
The positional value didn’t make sense.
Last Friday, the deadline for Aubrey to negotiate with other teams came and went. He faced an easy decision: Either make $5.8 million this year while risking being tagged in 2027 or sign for a long-term deal worth much more now.
The Cowboys’ estimation was correct. Aubrey picked the latter, and now, everyone wins.
Aubrey’s historic start continues in Dallas
Aubrey’s career has broken records as consistently as he’s split the uprights. He’s made the All-Pro team in each of his three years in the league, scoring on 88.2% of his field goal attempts.
Notably, he’s become the best kicker ever from 60+ yards out. In 2025, he became the first kicker in NFL history to make three such field goals in a single season. He’s also the only player to ever six field goals from over 60 yards.
Dallas ensures such game-changing power stays home.