The Dallas Cowboys’ contract standoff with star kicker Brandon Aubrey just took another twist: Aubrey himself publicly called a widely reported offer “fake” in a direct Instagram comment, escalating the already heated negotiations as free agency approaches.
On Tuesday, February 25, 2026, ESPN and the Dallas Morning News reported that Dallas had offered Aubrey a deal exceeding the current league-high $6.4 million AAV held by Harrison Butker — specifically around $7.5 million per year — but that Aubrey’s agent Todd France was pushing for a contract closer to $10 million annually.
The Cowboys, facing cap constraints and wanting to lock up one of their most reliable players, reportedly hoped to avoid the franchise tag (projected ~$6.5–7M for kickers).
Aug 17, 2022; Costa Mesa, CA, USA; A Dallas Cowboys helmet with Oakley visor sits on the field during joint practice against the Los Angeles Chargers at Jack Hammett Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 17, 2022; Costa Mesa, CA, USA; A Dallas Cowboys helmet with Oakley visor sits on the field during joint practice against the Los Angeles Chargers at Jack Hammett Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Brandon Aubrey Calls Reported Cowboys Contract Offer “Fake” Amid Push for Record $10M Kicker Deal
However, Aubrey quickly pushed back. In the comments of an Instagram Reel from 105.3 The Fan discussing the DMN report:
“Fake”
The single-word reply — which he later clarified as calling the reported offer inaccurate — has ignited debate among Cowboys fans and media about what exactly is “fake.” Is it the existence of the $7.5M offer? The $10M ask? Or details of the negotiations themselves? Aubrey has not elaborated further publicly, but his response suggests the sides remain far apart with the March 3 franchise-tag deadline looming.
Why Brandon Aubrey’s “Fake” Comment Matters
Record-Setting Stakes — Aubrey, 30, has been one of the NFL’s most accurate and clutch kickers since joining Dallas in 2023.
Cowboys’ Cap Crunch — Dallas is projected over the cap entering 2026. Paying Aubrey $7.5M+ long-term (or tagging him at ~$6.5–7M) adds pressure to restructure contracts or make cuts elsewhere.
Negotiation Dynamics — Aubrey’s public denial of the reported offer is rare for an ongoing negotiation and signals his camp is willing to listen to offers.
What’s Next for Brandon Aubrey and the Cowboys
Nov 30, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys place kicker Brandon Aubrey (17) looks on during the first half against the Seattle Seahawks at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys place kicker Brandon Aubrey (17) looks on during the first half against the Seattle Seahawks at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
The franchise tag window opens February 18, with the deadline March 3 (4 p.m. ET).
If no deal is reached, Dallas can tag Aubrey for one year at ~$6.5–7M, but that risks a holdout or strained relationship.
For now, the Dallas Cowboys and Brandon Aubrey are in a high-stakes standoff over what the most accurate kicker in recent memory is worth. Aubrey’s one-word rejection of the reported offer keeps the drama alive as both sides look to meet in the middle — or prepare for the tag.
Cowboys fans: Do you believe Aubrey’s “fake” comment, or is this just negotiation posturing? Should Dallas pay up to $10M AAV for their Pro Bowl kicker? Drop your thoughts below!
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