The Dallas Cowboys have taken a significant step to secure one of the league's most reliable kicking specialists. According to multiple sources, the team has placed a second-round restricted free agent tender on kicker Brandon Aubrey. The one-year offer is worth approximately $5.81 million and acts as a strategic move by the Cowboys to retain control over their Pro Bowl kicker as the 2026 league year approaches.
This tender is more than a simple contract offer; it represents the Cowboys' clear valuation and intent. By applying the second-round tender, Dallas signals that Brandon Aubrey is a core piece of their current and future plans, and they are willing to pay a premium to keep him in the fold. This tender grants the Cowboys the right to match any offer sheet Aubrey signs with another team during the restricted free agency period. Importantly, if Dallas declines to match an offer, the signing team must surrender a second-round draft pick to the Cowboys as compensation, a significant deterrent to any potential suitor.
For Aubrey, the tender offers security and flexibility. The $5.81 million salary is fully guaranteed for the 2026 season if he signs the tender outright, providing immediate financial reward and stability. At the same time, the restricted free agent process allows him to explore the market. Should another team present an offer sheet that Dallas chooses not to match--whether due to salary or contract structure--Aubrey could move while Dallas acquires valuable draft compensation.
From Uncertainty to Pro Bowl Status
Brandon Aubrey's path to NFL stardom has been unconventional. The former soccer player's initial NFL tenure with Dallas came with the typical challenges faced by many kickers. However, over time, Aubrey has developed into one of the most accurate and clutch performers in the league. His consistency on field goals, particularly from mid-to-long ranges, alongside his effectiveness on kickoffs, has cemented his role on the roster.
During the 2025 season, Aubrey demonstrated elite proficiently, finishing near the top of the league in field goal percentage. More crucially, he showcased a cool demeanor under pressure, a trait highly prized in the kicker position. Games often hinge on a single kick, and a dependable kicker such as Aubrey has become an indispensable asset for the Cowboys' championship aspirations.
Financial and Strategic Considerations
The $5.81 million figure tied to the second-round tender aligns with the NFL's collective bargaining agreement for restricted free agents with three accrued seasons. For Dallas' front office, led by owner and general manager Jerry Jones, this is an investment in proven special teams production. While the amount is significant for a kicker, the value Aubrey brings in terms of field position and clutch scoring justifies the expense.
This tender also gives the Cowboys important roster and salary cap flexibility. By locking Aubrey under team control for the 2026 season through the tender, the organization gains time to negotiate a potential multi-year contract extension. Such an extension could provide Aubrey with a longer-term guarantee and lower the immediate cap charge via signing bonus proration, freeing resources for other needs on the roster.
Choosing a second-round tender over the original-round tender or a lower value tender is itself a statement. It implies that Dallas anticipates at least some interest from other teams in Aubrey and wants to make the cost to acquire him prohibitive. The compensation of a second-round pick is a significant price tag, especially for a kicker, likely discouraging most offers.
Next Steps for Aubrey and Dallas
With the tender in place, Brandon Aubrey faces a critical decision. He can immediately sign the tender, securing his $5.81 million salary for the upcoming season and ending uncertainties about his status. Alternatively, he may wait through the restricted free agent period, fielding any potential offer sheets from other teams, allowing him to test his market value.
For the Cowboys, securing Aubrey is already a win. Their special teams staff--often overlooked yet pivotal in close games--maintains a critical core player in a vital position. With Aubrey's status secured, Dallas can focus on other priorities as the offseason progresses, including the NFL Draft, wider free agency, and contract talks with other key roster members.
In the broader landscape of NFL roster construction, kickers often fly under the radar. Yet the Cowboys' decision to place a second-round tender on Brandon Aubrey underscores the increasing valuation of special teams excellence. By investing in Aubrey's retention, Dallas signals its commitment to maintaining a championship-level roster with stability and reliability across all phases of the game. For Cowboys fans, this move is a definitive sign of the organization's focus on winning and building for sustained success in 2026 and beyond.