The NFL’s new league is only a few days away. Teams are trying to lock down some of their pending free agents.
The Dallas Cowboys have been very busy in trying to retain their top talent. After franchise tagging George Pickens, they turned their focus to special teams.
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The Cowboys have now reportedly placed a second-round tender on kicker Brandon Aubrey. The Cowboys have been trying to hammer out a deal on their pending free agent.
Cowboys placed the second-round, $5.76 million tender to kicker Brandon Aubrey, per source. Aubrey now can sign an offer sheet with another team that the Cowboys would have the right to match. If they don’t, they would get back a second-round pick. pic.twitter.com/MgPcCRCrpq
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 7, 2026
Aubrey’s representatives have been trying to get the Cowboys to sweeten their offers in a long-term extension. Rumors have circulated that Aubrey’s agent has demanded north of $10M per year.
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The second-round tender means the Cowboys will pay Aubrey half of that. However, another team can still offer Aubrey a contract.
If the Cowboys don’t match another team’s offer, they will be compensated with a second-round pick. In essence, it makes it very unlikely a team will sign Aubrey to a big deal for a second-round pick.
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Aubrey and his representatives can still work out a deal with the Cowboys once he signs the tender. The tender pays him $5.76M for 2026 if they cannot work an agreement out.
Dec 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys place kicker Brandon Aubrey (17) kicks a field goal during the first half against the Minnesota Vikings at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Aubrey has been a stellar kicker for the Cowboys since joining them in 2023. He has received Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors in each of his first three seasons.
For now, Aubrey’s 2026 appears to be set as the Cowboys kicker–barring a stunning turn of events come next Wednesday.
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