As the 2026 NFL free agency period approaches, the Dallas Cowboys face significant decisions, including a pressing issue regarding their star kicker, Brandon Aubrey.

Aubrey has emerged as one of the most consistent and powerful kickers in the NFL over the past two seasons, and with his contract nearing expiration, the Cowboys must decide how to secure his services for the future.

For team owner Jerry Jones and the front office, this situation carries particular weight. Over the years, the Cowboys have developed a reputation for dragging out contract negotiations with key players, a trend that fans have grown tired of, especially when it involves their most reliable performers.

The hope among Dallas fans is that the situation with Aubrey does not turn into another prolonged saga.

Recently, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported on the Cowboys’ contingency plan in case they cannot finalize a deal with Aubrey before the restricted free agent tender deadline.

“If they don’t get a deal done by the restricted free agent tender deadline, Dallas plans to put a second-round tender on Aubrey,” Fowler said. “That means he’d make $5.767 million this season if the two sides don’t reach a deal and the Cowboys would get a second-round pick if another team made Aubrey a contract offer they didn’t want to match.”

While the idea of securing a second-round pick as compensation for losing a player of Aubrey’s caliber is appealing, it’s safe to say the Cowboys would be better off locking him down to a long-term contract. Aubrey’s contributions have been indispensable, and any scenario that would leave him out of uniform would likely put Dallas in a more precarious situation.

Aubrey has become arguably the NFL’s top kicker, and his ability to consistently convert field goals from long distances provides the Cowboys with an unmatched sense of security when they cross midfield. His leg strength has been a key asset in a league that values kickers who can change the field position game with precision and power.

Given Aubrey’s impact, Fowler has also expressed confidence that the Cowboys will get a deal done with the kicker relatively soon.

“I expect the Cowboys to reach a deal with Brandon Aubrey at some point in the first week or two of March that makes him the highest-paid kicker in the league,” Fowler predicted.

The potential contract would certainly come at a steep price, but that is a cost the Cowboys are likely willing to absorb. After all, a kicker of Aubrey’s caliber does not come around every year, and Dallas would be hard-pressed to find a replacement who can provide the same level of reliability.

This situation has stirred significant anxiety among Cowboys fans, who remember the Micah Parsons debacle from the previous offseason. The team’s failure to reach a new deal with Parsons led to his trade, and the uncertainty surrounding Aubrey’s situation has many hoping that history doesn’t repeat itself.

The fear is that if the Cowboys don’t move quickly, they might lose their star kicker, which would be a blow to their special teams unit and their playoff aspirations. The team’s field goal kicking has been one of their strongest assets, and the thought of potentially entering the 2026 season without Aubrey is unsettling.

For Jerry Jones, securing a deal with Aubrey is crucial not only for the team’s immediate success but also for maintaining stability within the organization. Jones, who has long been known for his willingness to spend on star players when needed, might finally realize that the clock is ticking for the Cowboys to win a Super Bowl.

With quarterback Dak Prescott entering a pivotal phase of his career, it’s clear that the Cowboys must make every effort to ensure they are fielding the best possible team. Having a top-tier kicker like Aubrey on the roster could be the difference between a playoff victory and a premature exit, especially in close games where field goals often decide the outcome.

The Cowboys have made several moves in recent seasons to address their offensive and defensive line, but special teams should not be overlooked. A reliable kicker is an essential part of any championship-contending team, and the Cowboys cannot afford to let this critical position become a liability.

Dallas has the resources to make Aubrey the highest-paid kicker in the league, and with the second-round tender potentially hanging over their heads, they are running out of time to avoid a situation that could put them in a difficult spot if another team swoops in with a larger offer.

While the Cowboys will likely make other moves in free agency, particularly in the defense, securing Aubrey’s future with the team should be their top priority. His consistency, leadership, and big-leg ability make him an invaluable asset, and allowing him to walk away would be a significant setback for the organization.

In conclusion, the clock is ticking for the Dallas Cowboys to finalize a deal with Brandon Aubrey. Jerry Jones and the front office cannot afford another contract saga to drag on, especially when the team’s chances of making a Super Bowl run are on the line. With Dak Prescott’s career also in a pivotal moment, securing Aubrey’s future should be at the top of their list, ensuring that the Cowboys can continue to rely on their star kicker for years to come.

If they act quickly, the Cowboys could cement their special teams unit for the foreseeable future. If not, they may find themselves searching for a new kicker, and that is a risk they simply cannot afford to take.