The Dallas Cowboys have a financial bombshell on their special teams unit. Brandon Aubrey, the kicker who has redefined long-range accuracy in the NFL, is reportedly setting his sights on a contract that would make him the league's highest-paid player at his position by a staggering margin.
A Market-Shattering Demand
According to reports from ESPN's Adam Schefter, Aubrey's camp is seeking a deal worth close to $10 million per season. This figure represents a seismic leap over the current benchmark of $6.4 million per year held by Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker. The ask has sent shockwaves through the league, forcing a fundamental question: is any kicker worth that price?
The Case for the Cash
Aubrey's argument is built on an unprecedented three-year run of dominance. Since entering the league in 2023, he hasn't just been good; he's been arguably the best. With multiple Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections, his resume is impeccable. But his true value lies in his right leg's nuclear capability.
He possesses one of the strongest legs the NFL has ever seen, routinely converting field goals from 60-plus yards. For the Cowboys' offense, crossing midfield often means being in scoring range. This transforms game strategy and provides a security blanket few teams possess. As one fan passionately argued online, "An almost guaranteed 3 points once you cross the 50 yd line? Pay the man."
The Fanbase Divide
The reported demand has cleaved the Cowboys' passionate fanbase into distinct camps. Some view it as a justified reward for elite performance. Others see it as fiscal insanity for a specialist.
Social media has become a battleground for the debate. One user laid out a pragmatic, team-friendly path: "If Dallas does nothing, they should be able to fall back on: 2026 2nd Rd RFA tender ($5.8m) / 2027 Franchise tag (~$7.5m) / 2028 Franchise tag (~$9m)." This highlights the team's significant leverage in negotiations.
Countering that, another fan dismissed the entire premise: "The rumored $7.5mil per year contract offered by the Cowboys is already too much... Aubrey and his agent asking for $10mil is downright laughable. I'd be more than happy to move on." A third took an even harder line, suggesting, "If he wants that I would just tender him and let someone take him for a second round pick."
The Cowboys' Conundrum
Dallas finds itself in a tricky spot. Reports indicate they have already offered a deal exceeding Butker's current high mark, showing a willingness to pay for premium talent. However, bridging the gap to $10 million annually is a monumental jump that would reset the kicker market entirely.
Aubrey's leverage is real. His performance last season—36 of 42 on field goals, with all misses coming from beyond 50 yards—proves his reliability. Even with over a third of his career attempts coming from long distance, fans and analysts see him as nearly automatic. In today's NFL, where games are decided by razor-thin margins, that consistency is priceless.
What Happens Next?
The standoff presents a fascinating offseason storyline. Will the Cowboys meet the historic ask to lock down a proven weapon? Will they play hardball, using the franchise tag or tenders to maintain control at a lower cost? Or could another team, desperate for a game-changing leg, swoop in and give Aubrey what he wants?
One thing is clear: Brandon Aubrey has kicked his way into the center of the NFL's financial conversation. Whether he kicks his way into a record-breaking bank account remains to be seen.
