The Dallas Cowboys have officially placed second-round restricted free agent (RFA) tenders on two important contributors for the upcoming 2026 season: kicker Brandon Aubrey and offensive lineman T.J. Bass. Announced Saturday by the team, this move secures Dallas' right of first refusal for both players and guarantees draft pick compensation should another team sign either player to an offer sheet.
Financial Details of the Tenders
The second-round tender comes with a salary value set by the NFL's collective bargaining agreement. For the 2026 season, both Brandon Aubrey and T.J. Bass will carry a tender value of approximately $5.8 million, a figure widely reported by multiple sources including NFL.com and other trusted outlets. While this amount is non-guaranteed until the players sign their respective tenders, it establishes a strong market baseline and signals the Cowboys' plan to retain both players for the immediate future.
Brandon Aubrey: Securing Elite Special Teams Talent
For Brandon Aubrey, the second-round tender was a nearly automatic decision for Dallas. Since entering the league, Aubrey has evolved into one of the NFL's most reliable kickers, earning consecutive All-Pro honors and setting franchise marks for consecutive field goals made to start his career. His accuracy and consistency have helped stabilize a position that has historically been a challenge for the Cowboys.
At roughly $5.8 million, the tender makes Aubrey among the highest-paid kickers on a one-year deal heading into the 2026 season. This wage reflects his status as an elite specialist whose production justifies the investment. Importantly, the second-round tender also serves as a deterrent to other NFL teams considering an offer sheet, as those teams must be willing to surrender a second-round draft pick to Dallas if the Cowboys choose not to match the offer.
This strategic move nearly guarantees Aubrey remains Dallas' kicker for 2026, providing fans and the franchise certainty at a crucial skill position. It also opens the door to potential long-term contract discussions aimed at providing cap flexibility and security beyond the coming season.
T.J. Bass: Valued Offensive Line Versatility
The tender placed on T.J. Bass signals Dallas' recognition of his versatility and steady development. Originally an undrafted free agent, Bass has become a key multi-positional offensive lineman who can step in at guard or tackle without a significant drop in performance. His reliability has proven invaluable for a Dallas offensive line that has battled injuries in recent seasons.
Paying the second-round tender amount for Bass reflects the Cowboys' intent to retain this critical depth piece while warding off outside interest. Though Bass may be a candidate for a starting guard position elsewhere, the steep draft compensation required to lure him away presents a significant obstacle for other teams.
Bass' retention is a smart investment in depth and flexibility, ensuring Dallas maintains a strong, experienced backup offensive line core for the 2026 campaign.
Understanding the Restricted Free Agent Tender Process
Restricted free agents are players with three accrued NFL seasons whose contracts have expired. The tender system provides the original team with significant rights, depending on the tender level applied. By selecting the second-round tender, Dallas holds three advantages:
- Right of First Refusal: The Cowboys can match any contract offer another team extends to Aubrey or Bass within a five-day period.
- Draft Compensation: If the Cowboys decline to match an offer, they receive that club's second-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.
- Exclusive Negotiation Window: The players may only negotiate with other teams until a July deadline for signing offer sheets passes.
Choosing the second-round tender--a middle ground between the original-round tender and the first-round tender--balances cost and protection. It is more expensive than the original-round tender but less costly than the first-round tender while still commanding a sizeable draft pick should a rival team sign the player.
Next Steps for Aubrey, Bass, and the Cowboys
With tenders officially in place, the most likely outcome is that both Brandon Aubrey and T.J. Bass will sign their tenders and return to Dallas for the 2026 season. Their one-year tenders guarantee their salaries and provide roster certainty as the Cowboys prepare for offseason activities.
That said, the option for longer-term deals remains open. Aubrey, due to his elite status and cap-hit implications, is a prime candidate for a multi-year deal that could lower his immediate cap number while securing his presence beyond 2026. Likewise, Bass could benefit from a contract providing some financial security and additional cost control for Dallas while solidifying his role in the offensive line rotation.
Should long-term deals not come to fruition, both players will play 2026 under their solo tenders and become unrestricted free agents in 2027, free to sign anywhere without compensation to Dallas.
A Vote of Confidence and Stability
The Cowboys' move to place second-round tenders on Brandon Aubrey and T.J. Bass is a clear expression of confidence in both players' impact and value. It highlights the franchise's commitment to stability at critical and sometimes overlooked roster spots: kicker and offensive line depth.
While the tender allows other teams the theoretical possibility to extend offer sheets, the financial and draft pick barriers make defections unlikely. Dallas has effectively locked in a reliable leg in Aubrey and durable, versatile line depth in Bass, setting a solid foundation as they build toward the 2026 season.
For Cowboys fans, No. 17 is poised to continue racking up points, and No. 63 will remain a dependable presence on the trenches. This offseason move underlines how the Cowboys' front office is methodically managing their roster for sustained success.