Cowboys negotiating with Aubrey, seeking record deal for Pro Bowl kicker
The Dallas Cowboys are in negotiations with kicker Brandon Aubrey, who aims to become the highest-paid kicker in NFL history.
Why it matters: As a Pro Bowler and record-setting kicker, Aubrey's contract negotiations could reshape the financial landscape for specialists in the league, particularly for kickers seeking higher salaries.
- Currently, Harrison Butker holds the title of the highest-paid kicker with an average salary of $6.4 million per season.
- Aubrey’s agent, Todd France, is advocating for a deal that approaches $10 million annually.
What’s new: The Cowboys have offered a contract exceeding Butker's current average, but negotiations have stagnated since they began last season.
- Despite the initial discussions, the two sides have yet to find common ground.
- Stephen Jones, the Cowboys' executive vice president, acknowledged the challenges in reaching an agreement, stating, "It's been a journey... but we hadn't been able to get to a point where we can all agree."
Yes, but: While negotiations remain ongoing, the Cowboys are likely to place a second-round tender on Aubrey, which would cost approximately $5.8 million.
- This move allows them to retain exclusive negotiating rights while potentially setting the stage for further discussions.
- However, if they choose the right-of-first-refusal tender, they would not receive compensation should another team extend an offer they do not match.
By the numbers: Aubrey has established himself as a top-tier kicker, holding several notable records and impressive statistics.
- He has made 112 of 127 field goal attempts in his career, boasting a career-long of 65 yards.
- Last season, he converted 11 of 17 field goals from 50 yards or longer, solidifying his reputation for long-range accuracy.
The bottom line: As Aubrey approaches restricted free agency, both parties must navigate these negotiations carefully to avoid losing a player who has consistently delivered high performance.
- With the Cowboys’ interest in securing Aubrey’s services long-term, this situation will be pivotal in determining not only his future but also the precedent it sets for other kickers in the league.
