Cowboys All-Pro Kicker Awaits Contract Amid Record-Breaking Deals

Brandon Aubrey's future with the Cowboys remains uncertain as the team focuses on other free agency priorities.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 9:52pm

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Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey is seeking a record-breaking contract, but his negotiations have been complicated by a recent record-setting deal for Texans kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn. Aubrey, who has established himself as one of the NFL's best kickers in just three seasons, is currently under a restricted free agent tender with the Cowboys, who are focused on other free agency moves before turning their attention to Aubrey's contract.

Why it matters

Aubrey's contract situation is significant because kickers have become increasingly valuable in the NFL, with the league's revamped kicking game rules. The Cowboys risk losing Aubrey to another team willing to pay a premium for his services and surrender a second-round draft pick.

The details

The Cowboys have placed a second-round tender on Aubrey, guaranteeing him $5.8 million for the 2026 season. However, Aubrey is seeking a long-term deal worth more than $8 million per year, which would eclipse the previous record for a kicker contract held by the Chiefs' Harrison Butker. Aubrey's negotiations have been complicated by the recent two-year, $13 million contract signed by Texans kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn, which set a new record for kicker salaries.

  • On March 11, 2026, the Texans signed Ka'imi Fairbairn to a record-breaking two-year, $13 million contract.
  • On March 11, 2026, Cowboys reporter Bobby Belt noted that Fairbairn's contract could negatively impact Aubrey's search for an $8 million-plus per year deal.

The players

Brandon Aubrey

A Dallas Cowboys kicker who has established himself as one of the best in the NFL in just three seasons, and is seeking a record-breaking contract.

Ka'imi Fairbairn

A Houston Texans kicker who recently signed a two-year, $13 million contract, setting a new record for kicker salaries.

Harrison Butker

A Kansas City Chiefs kicker who previously held the record for highest-paid kicker contract at $6.4 million per year.

Bobby Belt

A Cowboys reporter for 105.3 The Fan in Dallas who analyzed the impact of Fairbairn's contract on Aubrey's negotiations.

Tommy Yarrish

A writer for the Cowboys team site who spoke with Aubrey about the status of his contract negotiations.

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What they’re saying

“Since Brandon Aubrey entered the league, Ka'imi Fairbairn has a 90.7% field goal percentage, while Aubrey's is at 88.2%. Fairbairn also barely eclipses Aubrey in 50+ yard field goal accuracy. $6.5m for Fairbairn doesn't help Aubrey's search for $8m+.”

— Bobby Belt, Cowboys Reporter (105.3 The Fan)

“It's not something that I have control over as the term restricted applies there. Obviously, Dallas is my home. I'd like to keep it that way, so it would be nice to get a long-term deal going. Just need to sit down and have that conversation.”

— Brandon Aubrey (Cowboys Team Site)

“There's a lot of moving parts with the Cowboys at the moment. There's players that aren't restricted that they've got to sort through first, because with that restriction, movement is significantly more difficult. So they go through and there's more important fires to put out. And then they can circle around when things calm down and talk to me.”

— Brandon Aubrey (Cowboys Team Site)

“That's always a positive. Anytime the market goes up as a whole, every kicker makes money.”

— Brandon Aubrey (Cowboys Team Site)

What’s next

The Cowboys will need to decide whether to sign Aubrey to a long-term contract or potentially lose him to another team willing to pay a premium for his services.

The takeaway

Aubrey's contract situation highlights the increasing value of elite kickers in the NFL, with teams willing to pay top dollar to secure their services. The Cowboys must balance their other free agency priorities with retaining one of the league's best kickers.