Cowboys' Brandon Aubrey Set to Reset Kicker Contract Market in 2026

The right kicker can be a legitimate weapon in the NFL, and some are getting paid like it.

Mar. 4, 2026 at 4:04pm

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Kickers are becoming increasingly valuable in the modern NFL, with revised kickoff rules and stronger legs leading to more reliable scoring opportunities. While kicker salaries still lag behind premium positions, they are on the rise, with Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker currently the highest-paid at $6.4 million per year. However, Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey is expected to reset the market as a restricted free agent in 2026, with speculation he could command $8-12 million per year based on his accuracy and booming leg.

Why it matters

The rise in kicker salaries reflects the growing importance of the position in the NFL, where the right kicker can be a game-changing weapon. Aubrey's potential contract could set a new benchmark, highlighting how teams are willing to invest heavily in reliable kickers who can consistently convert from long range and in high-pressure situations.

The details

Aubrey, a former soccer standout, has made 88.2% of his field goal attempts in three NFL seasons, including a perfect 25-for-25 from inside 50 yards in 2025. His ability to convert from long range, with a career-long of 55 yards, makes him an enticing free agent target. The Cowboys will have the right to match any offer Aubrey receives as a restricted free agent.

  • Aubrey is set to become a restricted free agent in 2026.

The players

Brandon Aubrey

A Cowboys kicker who is expected to reset the market for kicker salaries as a restricted free agent in 2026.

Harrison Butker

The Chiefs' kicker who is currently the NFL's highest-paid at $6.4 million per year.

Jake Elliott

The Eagles' kicker who has faced off with Butker twice in the Super Bowl and is the second-highest paid kicker at $6 million per year.

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What they’re saying

“What would you be willing to pay a guy who made a difference in every single game? Is that worth $8 million? $10 million? $12 million?”

— Adam Schefter, ESPN Podcast Host

What’s next

The Cowboys will have the opportunity to match any offer Aubrey receives as a restricted free agent in 2026.

The takeaway

The rise in kicker salaries reflects the growing importance of the position in the modern NFL, where a reliable kicker who can consistently convert from long range and in high-pressure situations can be a game-changing weapon for a team.