Dallas Cowboys Contract Drama: Brandon Aubrey Hoping to Avoid Restricted Free Agent Tender

The Dallas Cowboys are entering a critical stage of the NFL offseason, and while much of the attention has focused on the franchise tag decision for wide receiver George Pickens, another contract situation is quietly becoming a major storyline.

Star kicker Brandon Aubrey is still waiting for clarity regarding his future with the franchise, and time is running short before free agency officially opens.

At the moment, Aubrey remains the Cowboys’ final unresolved contract issue ahead of the new league year. While many around the league expect Dallas to reach a long-term extension with the standout kicker, negotiations have yet to produce a deal. With each passing day, uncertainty continues to grow for both sides.

For Aubrey, one outcome stands above the rest: avoiding a restricted free agent tender.

Cowboys Prioritize George Pickens with Franchise Tag

The Cowboys’ offseason plans became clearer when the organization placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on George Pickens. The move ensures that the explosive wide receiver remains under team control for at least another season while the two sides potentially work toward a long-term contract.

However, placing the franchise tag on Pickens also shifted the spotlight to other pending roster decisions. With Pickens’ status temporarily resolved, Brandon Aubrey’s contract has become the final major item on Dallas’ offseason agenda before free agency begins.

The situation is particularly interesting because Aubrey has quickly developed into one of the most reliable kickers in the NFL, making him a key piece of the Cowboys’ special teams unit.

Brandon Aubrey Hoping to Avoid Restricted Free Agent Tender

Although a contract extension still appears likely, Aubrey acknowledged that the team has discussed another possibility: a restricted free agent tender.

According to reporting from Joseph Hoyt of The Dallas Morning News, Aubrey made it clear that while the tender would represent a financial upgrade, it isn’t his preferred outcome.

The Cowboys could potentially place a second-round restricted free agent tender on Aubrey. This option would give the kicker a one-year contract valued at roughly $5.8 million.

From a financial standpoint, that figure represents a major pay raise compared to his previous earnings. However, restricted tenders rarely offer the long-term stability players seek.

Aubrey addressed the situation candidly, explaining that while the tender is a positive sign financially, it doesn’t provide the long-term security most players want.

In other words, he would prefer a multi-year extension rather than playing under a one-year deal.

How a Restricted Free Agent Tender Works

If the Cowboys place a restricted free agent tender on Aubrey, the kicker would still have the ability to negotiate with other teams across the NFL.

However, there is an important catch.

Any team that signs Aubrey to an offer sheet would have to compensate Dallas if the Cowboys declined to match the contract. In the case of a second-round tender, the compensation would be a second-round draft pick.

Because of this requirement, the tender effectively protects the Cowboys from losing Aubrey cheaply.

In theory, another franchise could sign Aubrey away from Dallas. But the cost of surrendering a second-round draft pick for a kicker makes such a scenario extremely unlikely.

NFL Draft History Suggests Teams Won’t Pay That Price

One major reason the Cowboys might feel comfortable using a restricted tender is the historical value of kickers in the NFL Draft.

Even the most talented kicking prospects rarely get selected early in the draft. Teams typically prioritize other positions before considering special teams players.

Here are some of the most recent examples of highly drafted kickers:

• Andres Borregales – 6th round, 2025, New England Patriots

• Will Reichard – 6th round, 2024, Minnesota Vikings

• Jake Moody – 3rd round, 2023, San Francisco 49ers

• Cade York – 4th round, 2022, Cleveland Browns

• Evan McPherson – 5th round, 2021, Cincinnati Bengals

Among that group, Jake Moody stands out as the only kicker selected before Day 3 of the draft. Even then, his tenure with the 49ers lasted less than three seasons.

Historically speaking, the NFL tends to find elite kickers later in the draft or even in the undrafted free agent pool.

Aubrey’s Unique Path to the NFL

Brandon Aubrey’s journey to becoming one of the NFL’s best kickers is anything but traditional.

Before joining the Cowboys, Aubrey was playing in the United States Football League when Dallas scouts discovered his potential. The Cowboys eventually signed him, and he quickly proved he belonged at the highest level of football.

His rise has been remarkable.

Aubrey has developed into one of the league’s most dangerous long-distance kickers. In fact, he currently holds the NFL record for the most field goals made from 60 yards or longer, with five successful attempts from that range.

Few kickers in NFL history have demonstrated that level of power and accuracy.

How Aubrey Compares to Other NFL Kickers

Across the league, only a handful of kickers are considered to be in Aubrey’s performance tier.

Two names often mentioned alongside him include:

• Cameron Dicker of the Los Angeles Chargers

• Cam Little of the Jacksonville Jaguars

Interestingly, Dicker went undrafted, while Little was selected in the sixth round. That pattern reinforces the reality that elite kicking talent often emerges outside the early rounds of the NFL Draft.

What separates Aubrey from many others, however, is his proven range.

Once the Cowboys’ offense crosses midfield, Aubrey instantly becomes a legitimate scoring threat. His ability to convert from extreme distance gives Dallas a significant strategic advantage in close games.

Why an Extension Makes Sense for Both Sides

While the restricted free agent tender would keep Aubrey under team control through the 2026 season, it may not be the ideal solution.

From the player’s perspective, a long-term deal would provide financial stability and recognition for his performance.

From the Cowboys’ perspective, securing Aubrey now could prevent future contract drama and ensure they keep one of the league’s most valuable special teams weapons.

There’s also the psychological factor. If Aubrey were forced to play under a one-year tender despite hoping for a multi-year deal, it could create frustration.

While there is no indication that Aubrey would intentionally let the situation affect his performance, contract disputes can sometimes create unnecessary distractions.

Cowboys Face Important Decision Before Free Agency

With the NFL free agency period approaching quickly, the Cowboys must decide how they want to handle Aubrey’s contract situation.

The possibilities include:

1. Finalizing a multi-year contract extension

2. Placing a restricted free agent tender on him

3. Continuing negotiations deeper into the offseason

Most insiders believe an extension remains the most logical outcome. Aubrey has already proven himself as one of the NFL’s elite kickers, and locking him into a long-term deal would eliminate the risk of future complications.

For now, though, the situation remains unresolved.

As the Cowboys prepare for another playoff push, ensuring stability at kicker could prove just as important as any blockbuster move elsewhere on the roster.