Brandon Aubrey, the Dallas Cowboys kicker who owns the NFL record for the most field goals made from 60 yards or longer, is expected to become the league’s highest-paid kicker. The two sides agree on that much. What they do not agree on is the number.
ESPN’s Todd Archer reported that the Cowboys have offered a deal exceeding the current league-high of $6.4 million per year held by Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, but Aubrey’s agent, Todd France, is pushing for closer to $10 million per season.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter flagged the contract standoff Wednesday, noting that a more pressing question may be whether another team tries to pull Aubrey away from Dallas entirely.
Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones, speaking to reporters during the NFL Scouting Combine last week, acknowledged the ongoing talks without offering a resolution.
“We’ve been in talks with Aubrey since before the season started. That’s been a journey. We haven’t been able to get to a point where we can all agree,” Jones told reporters. “But we’d love to get him done.”
Per reports, the Cowboys’ offer sits around $7.5 million per year. That gap between $7.5 million and $10 million is not a small one.
Nov 23, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey (17) looks on during warm ups before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Nov 23, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey (17) looks on during warm ups before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Why Aubrey’s restricted free agent status shapes what Dallas can actually do
Aubrey enters this offseason as a restricted free agent, meaning the Cowboys hold significant leverage. If no long-term deal is reached before the March 11 league year deadline, Dallas is expected to place a second-round tender on him, valued at roughly $5.8 million for 2026.
Under that scenario, any team signing Aubrey would owe the Cowboys a second-round pick. Dallas would also retain the right to match any offer. Pro Football Rumors noted that a first-round tender, projected at $8.11 million, remains an option if the Cowboys want even stronger protection.
The restricted tag structure makes it difficult for Aubrey to reach full free agency. Realistically, his best path to $10 million per year runs through a team deciding the price of a second-round pick plus a market-reset contract is worth it.
Brandon Aubrey is expected to soon become the NFL’s highest-paid kicker. A more intriguing question is whether another team will try to pry him loose from the Cowboys.
With @tyschmit:
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— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 4, 2026
Aubrey’s career numbers explain exactly why the Cowboys want to keep him
Dallas Cowboys, Brandon Aubrey
Oct 26, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Dallas Cowboys place kicker Brandon Aubrey (17) looks on in the second half against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Aubrey did not come through the traditional draft route. He played for Toronto FC in Major League Soccer and spent time in the USFL with Birmingham before signing with Dallas in July 2023 as an undrafted free agent.
In three seasons, he has made 112 of 127 field goal attempts with a career-long of 65 yards. He has earned a Pro Bowl selection in each of those three years. His six field goals from 60 yards or beyond are more than any kicker in league history.
A team source told ESPN’s Matthew Berry at the Scouting Combine that despite the posturing, “the Aubrey deal will get done,” and that he should be wearing a Dallas uniform as the NFL’s highest-paid kicker when the 2026 season kicks off.
The Cowboys have significant cap constraints this offseason, with wide receiver George Pickens already receiving the franchise tag. Getting an Aubrey extension done before the season is clearly the preference, but with $2.5 million separating the two sides, how quickly they close that gap will say a lot about how Dallas values the position going into 2026.