The Dallas Cowboys made a headline-grabbing move to secure one of the most unconventional stars in the NFL, but it was CeeDee Lamb‘s reaction that quickly captured fans’ attention.
Moments after news broke that kicker Brandon Aubrey had agreed to a record-setting extension, Lamb took to social media with a message that blended humor with admiration.
“BA!!!!! Lemme hold a light 100,” Lamb wrote, jokingly asking his teammate for a share of the deal.
Behind the playful tone, though, was a clear message: Dallas knows exactly how important Aubrey has become. Kickers rarely dominate offseason conversations, but Aubrey is no ordinary specialist.
Since arriving in the NFL, the former professional soccer player has transformed expectations at the position. His accuracy is matched by extraordinary range, turning situations that once felt uncertain into scoring opportunities from well beyond midfield.
Last season, Aubrey connected on 85.7 percent of his field goal attempts and nearly every extra point, while continuing to push the boundaries of what is considered makeable distance.
That consistency, combined with his ability to change game plans, has elevated his value far beyond that of a typical kicker.
The Cowboys‘ decision to sign him to a four-year deal worth $28 million, making him the highest-paid kicker in NFL history, reflects that shift.
It also caps one of the league’s most unusual career arcs. After a short-lived soccer career and time away from professional sports, Aubrey worked his way back through alternative leagues before earning his opportunity in Dallas.
Within a few seasons, he had become one of the most reliable legs in football.
Cowboys double down on core stability
For Lamb, the reaction was more than just a joke, it was a glimpse into the chemistry within a roster that still believes it can contend.
The wide receiver is already locked into a long-term deal after establishing himself as one of the league’s elite playmakers. Now, with Aubrey secured through the end of the decade, Dallas has reinforced a core that spans multiple phases of the game.
That stability matters for a team coming off a frustrating season in which it failed to reach the playoffs.
While the offense remains stacked with talent, the Cowboys are expected to use the upcoming draft to address defensive weaknesses, particularly after finishing near the bottom of the league in yards allowed.
A shift in how teams value special teams
The size of Aubrey‘s contract also speaks to a broader evolution across the NFL. Teams are increasingly recognizing the impact of special teams in tight games, and few players offer the kind of edge Aubrey provides.
His ability to reliably convert from long range not only adds points but also changes late-game strategy, giving Dallas options that many opponents simply do not have.
Lamb‘s lighthearted message may have drawn the most immediate attention, but the underlying move is far more significant.
As the Cowboys continue to reshape their roster ahead of the 2026 season, locking in a player who can influence outcomes from nearly anywhere on the field signals a clear intent: leave no advantage on the table.
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