The contract negotiations between the Dallas Cowboys and All-Pro kicker Brandon Aubrey have reached a standstill, creating growing tension as free agency approaches and raising questions about how far the franchise is willing to go to retain one of the league’s most dominant specialists.

Aubrey and his representatives are reportedly seeking a deal that would make him the highest-paid kicker in NFL history, a bold but understandable demand given his production, consistency and historic start to his career across three seasons in Dallas.

According to ESPN reporter Todd Archer, Aubrey’s asking price lands around a staggering $10 million per year, a number the Cowboys acknowledge he deserves in terms of talent but are still unwilling to match from a cap-planning standpoint.

The current benchmark at the position belongs to Harrison Butker, who earns an average of $6.4 million annually with the Kansas City Chiefs, meaning Aubrey is seeking a raise of more than 55% over the league’s top kicker.

Dallas has indicated a willingness to surpass Butker’s figure—an important signal that they value Aubrey as a premier weapon—but the gap between their offer and his desired $10 million AAV remains substantial enough to delay any real progress.

Aubrey, who turns 30 soon, enters the offseason as a restricted free agent, giving Dallas additional leverage. If the Cowboys cannot finalize a long-term deal, they can still retain him for 2026 by applying a second-round tender, which costs approximately $5.8 million.

The Cowboys also have the option of using the right of first refusal tender, which would allow them to match any offer sheet Aubrey receives from another team, though this approach risks losing him with no compensation if Dallas declines to match an aggressive bid.

Because Aubrey is not a typical undrafted or inconsistent kicker, but rather a three-time All-Pro who shattered expectations, the market dynamics surrounding him are unique—especially for a specialist with historic accuracy numbers.

Through 51 career games, Aubrey has converted 112 of 127 field goals and 126 of 130 extra points, including a remarkable 96.9% field-goal accuracy rate, a metric that is almost unheard of across such a large sample size this early in a career.

His range has also been elite, with a 35-for-44 mark on attempts from 50 yards or more, establishing him as one of the league’s most dangerous long-ball options and a legitimate difference-maker in late-game and high-pressure situations.

The Cowboys know that losing an elite kicker can drastically affect game strategy, offensive decision-making and expected win probability, especially for a team built to compete deep into the postseason and often reliant on tight-score situations.

Yet the broader question is whether Dallas is prepared to allocate $10 million annually to a non-quarterback specialist, especially as the franchise navigates a complex salary-cap landscape involving major deals for star players at premium positions.

Having All-Pro consistency at kicker undeniably elevates a roster, but general managers historically hesitate to commit top-tier salaries to the position, believing that value can often be found at lower price points compared to positions like pass rusher, tackle or receiver.

However, Aubrey is not a standard case, and Dallas recognizes that replacing him would likely require a veteran signing, draft investment or a gamble on an unproven rookie—options that come with far more risk than reward.

Aubrey’s rise to NFL prominence has also been one of the league’s most unique stories, making him all the more valuable to the Cowboys’ special teams stability. Originally transitioning from professional soccer before a brief USFL stint, Aubrey has exceeded expectations with every kick.

Dallas has benefited tremendously from his accuracy, his cold-blooded demeanor, and his ability to convert long range kicks that dramatically change field position and dictate defensive strategy, especially in outdoor games where reliability is rare.

From the Cowboys’ perspective, navigating this negotiation carefully is critical. They must balance reward, risk and positional value, but they also understand that elite kicker play can swing entire seasons—something Mike McCarthy’s staff has emphasized repeatedly.

The franchise’s hesitation is not about Aubrey’s ability but the financial ripple effects. Committing $10 million annually could create cap strain, especially with potential contract decisions looming for cornerstone players at more impactful positions.

Still, the Cowboys know that if they push this to a tender scenario, other teams may begin circling, especially franchises with cap flexibility and a history of investing heavily in special teams excellence—and that could force Dallas into uncomfortable territory.

Aubrey’s camp likely understands this leverage and is pushing to capitalize before free agency fully opens, where even a single aggressive suitor could reshape his market and force Dallas into a match-or-lose situation.

The Cowboys, meanwhile, believe they can secure him at a number slightly above Butker’s salary but far below $10 million, banking on the restricted free-agent structure to limit outside bidding and keep negotiations controlled.

The stalemate may linger, but both sides know that Aubrey’s future carries significant impact. For Aubrey, this is a chance to secure the biggest contract ever given to a kicker. For Dallas, this is a test of how much they value special teams excellence in a league driven by offense and defense first.

Aubrey’s track record leaves little doubt: he is one of the NFL’s most accurate, most powerful and most consistent specialists. But the Cowboys’ contract philosophy has historically leaned conservative, and bridging the financial divide will require compromise.

The coming weeks will reveal whether Dallas is willing to make Aubrey the highest-paid kicker in league history—or whether they will rely on their leverage and risk creating tension with one of their most quietly essential players.

If history holds true, the Cowboys will not let a talent like Aubrey walk without a fight. But the question now is what price they are truly willing to pay—and whether Aubrey will settle for anything less than what he believes he’s earned.