The Dallas Cowboys rarely build roster debates around their kicker, but Brandon Aubrey has forced exactly that conversation, emerging as one of the most influential players on the team and prompting calls for a contract usually reserved for superstars.
As negotiations intensify, one proposal has captured national attention: a long-term deal modeled loosely on Patrick Mahomes‘ landmark extension in Kansas City.
Fox Sports analyst Nick Wright argued that Dallas should secure Aubrey with a 10-year contract worth $75 million, including $50 million guaranteed, an unprecedented commitment for a kicker.
His reasoning was blunt: Aubrey‘s combination of accuracy and range is far more difficult to replace than many skill-position players.
“It’s easier to find a top receiver than someone who can do what he does,” Wright said, elevating Aubrey‘s importance above even high-profile offensive contributors.
Such statements reflect a shift in how the Cowboys‘ special teams weapon is perceived internally and externally.
Since entering the league in 2023, Aubrey has transformed from an unconventional signing – a former professional soccer player turned NFL kicker – into one of the most reliable scoring options in football.
Few kickers in league history have delivered both elite accuracy and extreme distance, yet Aubrey has made that combination routine. Dallas now treats field position differently because drives that stall near midfield still carry legitimate scoring potential.
He has converted multiple attempts from beyond 60 yards, including a 65-yard kick that briefly ranked among the longest ever recorded.
During his rookie season, he did not miss from 50 yards or longer, and although his success rate dipped slightly in 2025, he still ranked among the league’s most dependable long-range options.
That reliability matters in tight games, where three points can determine playoff positioning or postseason survival. Coaches often speak about “hidden yards” and situational advantages, and Aubrey provides both every time he steps on the field.
Contract talks clouded by conflicting narratives
Despite agreement that Aubrey should become the NFL’s highest-paid kicker, negotiations have produced more confusion than clarity.
Reports suggested Dallas offered a deal exceeding the annual salary of Kansas City‘s Harrison Butker, currently the benchmark at the position, while Aubrey‘s camp was said to be seeking something closer to eight figures per season.
Aubrey publicly disputed at least one of those reports, dismissing it on social media, which only deepened the mystery surrounding the discussions.
Team leadership has acknowledged the difficulty without divulging specifics. Executive vice president Stephen Jones said both sides remain engaged but have not reached terms acceptable to everyone, leaving the outcome uncertain as the offseason progresses.
Short-term control versus long-term security
Because Aubrey is a restricted free agent, Dallas can retain him through a tender that would keep him under contract for one season. That path would avoid an immediate massive payout but risks escalating the price if he continues to perform at an elite level.
There is also the possibility another franchise could present an aggressive offer, forcing Dallas to match it or accept compensation. For a team with championship aspirations, losing a proven game-changer at a specialized position would be a significant gamble.
Ultimately, the situation highlights a broader evolution in roster construction. Kickers rarely dominate headlines, but Aubrey‘s unique skill set has made him indispensable to the Cowboys‘ scoring equation.
Whether Dallas opts for a historic extension or a temporary solution, the decision will reveal how much the franchise truly values the quiet consistency of a player who can change games without ever touching the ball on offense.
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