Cowboys Kicker Brandon Aubrey Faces Contract Uncertainty After Negotiation Deadline Passes

Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey is now in a waiting period this offseason after the official deadline passed for other NFL teams to negotiate with him on a potential new contract.
As a restricted free agent (RFA), Aubrey’s market was technically open for outside interest under specific conditions. However, that window has now closed, significantly narrowing his immediate options and shifting control back to the Cowboys organization.
Cowboys Use Second-Round Tender on Brandon Aubrey
The Dallas Cowboys placed a second-round tender on Aubrey, a move that plays a major role in his current contract situation.
Under this designation, other NFL teams were allowed to negotiate with Aubrey and attempt to sign him to an offer sheet. However, the process came with a significant cost attached:
- If another team signed Aubrey to an offer sheet
- The Cowboys would have the right to match the contract
- If Dallas declined to match, the signing team would be required to surrender a second-round draft pick
This high price tag effectively discouraged most teams from pursuing negotiations aggressively, making it more likely that Aubrey remains in Dallas.
What the Deadline Means for Aubrey’s Future

Now that the negotiation window has closed, Aubrey’s immediate leverage has decreased, and the Cowboys retain stronger control over his short-term future.
While he still remains under restricted free agency status, the lack of active external negotiations puts pressure on both sides to eventually resolve a longer-term contract extension or tender-related outcome.
For Aubrey, the situation means:
- Fewer opportunities to test the open market
- Increased likelihood of staying with Dallas for the upcoming season
- Continued reliance on the Cowboys’ long-term contract decisions
For the Cowboys, it provides:
- Retention of a key special teams asset
- Flexibility in contract timing
- Protection from losing him without significant draft compensation
Brandon Aubrey’s Role With the Cowboys
Aubrey has quickly become an important part of the Cowboys’ special teams unit. His performance has given Dallas stability at the kicker position, an area that has historically seen inconsistency across the league.
Given his value and production, the Cowboys’ decision to apply a second-round tender signals a strong level of interest in keeping him within the organization long term.
What Happens Next for Dallas and Aubrey
With the negotiation period now over, the next steps depend largely on internal discussions between Aubrey and the Cowboys front office.
Possible outcomes include:
- A multi-year contract extension with Dallas
- Playing under the tender agreement for the season
- Future restructuring depending on cap space and performance
While no immediate movement is expected, Aubrey’s situation remains one to watch as the Cowboys continue shaping their roster for the upcoming NFL season.
Bottom Line
The Cowboys have effectively secured control of Brandon Aubrey’s restricted free agency market through the second-round tender, and with the negotiation deadline now passed, his chances of exploring outside offers have significantly diminished.
For now, Aubrey remains in Dallas’ plans—but his long-term future will depend on how both sides approach contract talks moving forward.