The Cowboys placed a secondary bid worth $5.76 million on Brandon Aubrey. This move controls his rights just before free agency. The team could still sign Aubrey to an offer sheet. If Dallas refuses to play, they will receive a second-round pick.
Aubrey’s path to the NFL was unusual. Dallas found him ahead of the 2023 season. He played college soccer at Notre Dame and pursued Major League Soccer. His wife convinced him to try NFL kicks after they watched an NFL game together in 2019.
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He has been one of the best kickers in the league over the past three seasons. In 2025, he went 36-for-42 on field goal attempts in 17 regular season games. He also made 11 of his 17 attempts from 50 yards or more.
The bid guarantees a minimum salary of $5.76 million this year. The Cowboys can still negotiate a long-term deal. According to Blogging the Boys, “Brandon Aubrey doesn’t look like he’s going anywhere.” During the bonding, reports suggested tense conversations. Initial reports indicated that Dallas had offered a contract worth an average of $7.5 million per year. That report was later revised.
The Cowboys placed a $5.76 million second-round tender on kicker Brandon Aubrey, per source. Aubrey can now sign an offer with another team that the Cowboys have the right to match. Otherwise, you get a second round pick back. pic.twitter.com/31Z3k7vmlw
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 7, 2026
Aubrey is reportedly seeking a contract that averages more than the $6.4 million that Harrison Butker currently holds. It will set a new standard for kickers.
ESPN’s Todd Archer and others followed the negotiations closely. Timing is important. NFL free agency begins March 11. The bid gives Dallas a week to evaluate offers and match if necessary.
If another team makes a run, Dallas could match or accept draft compensation. Either way, the bid is an indication of how much the Cowboys value Aubrey and buying leverage when free agency opens. The tender keeps the negotiation path open and maintains a draft award.
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