Cowboys Kicker Brandon Aubrey Faces Deadline to Decide NFL Future

The All-Pro kicker has until Friday to sign an offer sheet with another team or remain with Dallas for 2026.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 4:20am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a football kicker's motion and the Dallas Cowboys logo broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in navy blue, silver, and white, conveying the dynamic energy of an NFL field goal attempt.A cubist interpretation of a Dallas Cowboys kicker's field goal attempt captures the fractured, high-energy dynamics of the NFL's special teams.Dallas Today

Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey, a three-time All-Pro, faces a Friday deadline to sign an offer sheet with another NFL team. If he doesn't sign elsewhere, the Cowboys will retain his rights for the 2026 season. Aubrey is one of the league's most accurate kickers, having made 88.2% of his field goals over the past three seasons.

Why it matters

The Cowboys are waiting to see if they need to find a new kicker for the 2026 season or if they can retain Aubrey, who has been a reliable and record-setting player for the team. Aubrey's future decision could have significant implications for the Cowboys' special teams and roster planning.

The details

The Cowboys placed a second-round restricted free agent tender on Aubrey earlier this offseason, meaning he can still sign with other teams, and if Dallas doesn't match that offer, it would gain a second-round pick in return. Aubrey has been one of the most accurate kickers in the NFL, making 88.2% of his field goals over the past three seasons and setting an NFL record with 14 field goals of 50 yards or longer in 2024.

  • The deadline for Aubrey to sign with another team is Friday, April 17, 2026.
  • Aubrey has been the Cowboys' kicker for the past three seasons.

The players

Brandon Aubrey

A three-time All-Pro kicker for the Dallas Cowboys who is a pending restricted free agent.

Dallas Cowboys

The NFL team that Aubrey has played for over the past three seasons and that holds his restricted free agent rights.

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What they’re saying

“'Cowboys restricted free agent kicker Brandon Aubrey has until Friday to sign an offer sheet with another team. If he doesn't, Dallas retains his rights for the 2026 season. With time running out and no offer forthcoming, Aubrey now looks destined to remain with Dallas in 2026.'”

— Adam Schefter, ESPN Reporter

What’s next

If Aubrey does not sign an offer sheet with another team by Friday, he will remain with the Dallas Cowboys for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Aubrey's decision on his NFL future will have a significant impact on the Cowboys' roster and special teams plans for the 2026 season. As one of the league's most accurate kickers, retaining Aubrey would be a major boost for Dallas, but losing him would force them to find a replacement on the free agent market.