Even with a kicker, the Cowboys can’t avoid having another contract standoff
The Dallas Cowboys have once again found themselves in a familiar position, standing at a contract crossroads with a key piece of their roster. This time, the spotlight is on All-Pro kicker Brandon Aubrey, who has quickly become one of the most reliable weapons in the league. As the offseason unfolds, the two sides appear to be in a classic standoff, with Aubrey reportedly seeking to become the highest-paid kicker in the league, although by how much, it’s not exactly clear. It doesn’t seem to matter what position they play, the Cowboys always seem to find players who are kicking down the door for a new high-priced deal.
Aubrey has certainly earned the right to ask for a lot of money. Since entering the league three years ago, that’s exactly what he’s been. Money. In just his first three seasons, he has set the league record for the most career field goals from 60 yards or longer, including a franchise-best 65-yard bomb. His precision is equally legendary, as he began his career with an NFL-record 35 consecutive makes and remains one of the most impressive kickers in history. With three Pro Bowls and All-Pro honors already on his résumé, the Cowboys are likely make him the highest-paid kicker in the game. Let’s face it, when your offense is in field goal position the moment they cross midfield, I’m sure the Joneses can find enough extra change under the couch cushions to keep Aubrey in Dallas.
This is familiar territory for the Cowboys’ front office, as this marks the third consecutive offseason where they have been forced to navigate a “high-stakes” negotiation with a player demanding to be the highest-paid at their position.
2024 – highest paid offensive player
2025 – highest paid defensive player
2026 – highest paid special teams player
The trend began in 2024 with their franchise quarterback, Dak Prescott, and continued into 2025 with defensive sensation Micah Parsons. And now, Aubrey. It has become an annual ritual for the Cowboys, almost as predictable as the Frisco heat, and just as likely to cause a sweat among the front office.
While the team eventually managed to lock down Prescott, the deal was famously finalized just hours before the 2024 season opener, and was a little too close for the comfort of many fans. When the dust settled, Prescott walked away as the highest-paid player in NFL history at the time, and still is two years later.
The front office took a very different path with Micah Parsons last year. After a contentious standoff, the Cowboys opted to trade the star edge rusher to the Green Bay Packers for a couple of premium draft picks and veteran talent in Kenny Clark. It was a bold move that proved even a generational talent like Parsons isn’t immune to the business side of Jerry’s World.
And the fun doesn’t stop there, as the team is also amidst contract negotiations with George Pickens, who is set to become the most expensive WR2 in the league. The Cowboys traded a third-round pick for him last season and he immediately posted career-high numbers, setting him up for a big payday. For the moment, the Cowboys have placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on him, allowing him to talk with other teams, but ultimately giving the team huge control of the situation.
Unless something crazy happens and Pickens is shipped off, the Cowboys will soon have two of the highest-paid receivers in football. While not by design, the team continues to see how many market-setting contracts they can fit into one spreadsheet.
Ultimately, these high-priced hurdles are right on brand for a franchise that consistently comes away with star players. That seems like a good problem to have. And these last two contract battles aren’t even homegrown players. Pickens is a Pittsburgh cast-off acquired via trade, and Aubrey was poached from the USFL.
While the Cowboys should be able to get Aubrey re-signed (he is a restricted free agent so they can slap a second-round tender on him) and keep the league’s best leg in Dallas, their history of contract drama never ceases. Based on how things have played out recently, we never truly know if a player is getting a vault full of cash or a one-way ticket to a different zip code. At least the front office can hang its hat on the fact that they continue to find ways to bring in additional players who earn big money.
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