Cowboys Place 2nd-Round Tender on Kicker Brandon Aubrey

Dallas hopes to sign Aubrey to a long-term contract extension despite his desire for a bigger deal.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The Dallas Cowboys have placed a $5.7 million second-round tender on kicker Brandon Aubrey, a restricted free agent. The move allows Aubrey to sign an offer sheet with another team, but the Cowboys would have the right to match that offer or receive a second-round draft pick in return. Aubrey, a three-time Pro Bowler and first-team All-Pro in 2023, has been in contract negotiations with the Cowboys but the two sides have not reached an agreement, with Aubrey reportedly seeking a deal closer to three times the value of his rookie contract.

Why it matters

Aubrey is one of the league's top kickers, and the Cowboys are hoping to retain him long-term. However, the tender gives Aubrey the opportunity to potentially sign a more lucrative deal with another team, which could force the Cowboys to either match the offer or lose him for a second-round pick.

The details

The Cowboys placed the $5.7 million second-round tender on Aubrey, who made 36 of 42 field goal attempts (85.7%) and 47 of 48 extra points in the 2025 season. For his career, Aubrey is 112 of 127 (88.2%) on field goals with a long of 65 yards, and 126 of 130 (96.9%) on extra points. The Cowboys do not currently have a 2026 second-round pick after trading it away for Pro Bowl defensive tackle Quinnen Williams.

  • The Cowboys and Aubrey have been in discussions about his future in Dallas since last summer's training camp.
  • The 2025 season wrapped up a three-year, $2.695 million contract for Aubrey.

The players

Brandon Aubrey

A three-time Pro Bowl kicker and first-team All-Pro in 2023 for the Dallas Cowboys.

Quinnen Williams

A Pro Bowl defensive tackle acquired by the Cowboys in a trade that sent away their 2026 second-round pick.

Harrison Butker

The Kansas City Chiefs kicker who currently has the highest average annual salary for a kicker in the NFL.

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What they’re saying

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— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.