Cowboys Place Second-Round Tender on Kicking Phenom Brandon Aubrey, Eye Long-Term Deal

In a move that underscores both his meteoric rise and his critical value, the Dallas Cowboys have placed a second-round tender on kicker Brandon Aubrey, league sources confirmed to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The tender, valued at approximately $5.7 million for the 2024 season, is a significant procedural step that effectively keeps the Pro Bowl kicker in Dallas while the two sides work toward the ultimate goal: a lucrative, multi-year contract extension. This decision, while expected, highlights the front office’s recognition of Aubrey not as a mere specialist, but as a foundational piece of their roster—a remarkable status for a player who was a relative unknown just over a year ago.

From Soccer Pitch to Pro Bowl: The Aubrey Ascension

Brandon Aubrey’s journey to this moment is the stuff of NFL folklore. Before he was shattering records in a Cowboys uniform, Aubrey was a standout soccer player at Notre Dame and a first-round pick in MLS. His transition to football was slow and methodical, culminating in a practice squad stint with the Detroit Lions in 2022. When the Cowboys signed him in 2023 to compete for the job, it was seen as a camp battle with little fanfare. What followed was nothing short of a historic season.

Aubrey didn’t just win the job; he redefined excellence at the position. The rookie embarked on a record-shattering campaign, connecting on his first 35 consecutive field goal attempts—an NFL record to start a career. His flawless performance stretched deep into the season, providing the Cowboys with a weapon of unprecedented reliability. He finished the year 36-of-38 on field goals (94.7%) and a perfect 49-for-49 on extra points. His league-leading 149 points were instrumental in Dallas’s NFC East title run, earning him First-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors.

Key Records & Achievements (2023):

• NFL Record: Most consecutive field goals made to start a career (35).
• First-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection as a rookie.
• Led the NFL in scoring (149 points).
• Perfect from inside 50 yards during the regular season.
• Set Cowboys franchise record for field goal percentage in a season.

Decoding the Second-Round Tender: Strategy and Security

The second-round tender is a calculated piece of NFL roster management. By applying it, the Cowboys secure right of first refusal on Aubrey. If another team were to sign him to an offer sheet, Dallas can match it and retain him. If they choose not to match, the signing team would owe the Cowboys a second-round draft pick as compensation. At a $5.7 million price tag for one year, the tender is a substantial raise for a second-year player, but it also acts as a powerful deterrent against poaching.

“This is the Cowboys saying, ‘He’s ours, and he’s not just any player,'” said a veteran NFL personnel executive. “A second-round pick is steep compensation for a kicker, even an elite one. This move essentially takes him off the market while they negotiate. It’s a sign of immense respect for what he accomplished and a clear signal they view him as a long-term cornerstone.”

The tender bridges the gap to a multi-year extension, which is the priority for both sides. For Aubrey, long-term security after his nomadic early career is the ultimate reward. For the Cowboys, locking down a position that has been a notorious rollercoaster—remember the brief, chaotic era after Dan Bailey’s departure?—provides immense strategic and salary cap stability. It allows them to avoid the franchise tag drama next offseason and solidifies a key scoring unit for years to come.

The Financial Kick: What a Long-Term Deal Could Look Like

Negotiating a long-term deal for a kicker with only one phenomenal season presents a unique challenge. The Cowboys must balance paying for projected elite performance against the small sample size. However, Aubrey’s 2023 was so dominant that it has likely reset the market.

The current benchmark for kicker contracts is held by Baltimore’s Justin Tucker, the gold standard at the position, who averages $6 million per year. San Francisco’s Jake Moody, a 2023 third-round pick, recently signed a four-year, $17.5 million deal with $13.7 million guaranteed. Aubrey’s deal will likely land between these figures, potentially in the 4-5 year, $22-28 million range, with significant guarantees.

Critical Negotiation Points:

• Guaranteed Money: Aubrey’s camp will seek life-changing, fully guaranteed money after his unique path to the league.
• Annual Value: Expect an Average Annual Value (AAV) between $5.5 and $6.5 million, making him one of the 2-3 highest-paid at his position.
• Structure: The Cowboys may front-load guarantees but seek a structure that keeps the cap hits manageable as other stars like Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb command new deals.

“The deal will reflect that he’s not just a kicker; he’s a proven weapon,” noted a sports contract analyst. “His leg strength on kickoffs—leading the league in touchback percentage—adds tangible defensive value. Dallas is paying for points, consistency, and field position. That’s a three-tool player.”

Predictions and Ramifications for the Cowboys’ 2024 Campaign

The resolution of Aubrey’s contract situation is a quiet but essential domino for the Cowboys’ 2024 aspirations. A long-term deal finalized before training camp would eliminate any potential distraction and solidify special teams as a definitive strength. Head Coach Mike McCarthy, who has emphasized complementary football, values Aubrey’s ability to consistently deliver three points from long range, a factor that dramatically influences play-calling and game management.

Looking ahead, a secured Aubrey provides a massive psychological and strategic advantage. In a conference where games are often decided by razor-thin margins, having an automatic scorer from 55 yards and in is a luxury few possess. It allows the offense to play for field position in tight moments and provides a reliable bailout option when drives stall. Furthermore, his powerful kickoffs consistently pin opponents at the 25-yard line, a hidden but critical component of defensive success.

The expectation is that a multi-year extension will be finalized well before the July deadline for tendered players to sign. Both sides have too much to gain. For Aubrey, it’s the security and recognition of being the man in Dallas for the foreseeable future. For the Cowboys, it is the final step in cementing what was once a question mark into one of the most secure and explosive positions on their entire roster.

Conclusion: Securing a Legacy in the Making

The Dallas Cowboys’ decision to place a second-round tender on Brandon Aubrey is far more than a routine paperwork filing. It is a definitive statement of value. In a league where games are won and lost on the foot of a kicker, Dallas has found a potential decade-long solution in a most unlikely story. From MLS draft pick to NFL record-holder, Aubrey’s first act was spectacular. The second act, now being negotiated, is about building a legacy.

By securing Aubrey long-term, the Cowboys aren’t just locking up a Pro Bowl kicker; they are investing in peace of mind, in points on the board, and in a critical element of championship-caliber football. In the high-stakes landscape of the NFC East and the broader conference, such stability is not a minor detail—it is a foundational pillar. The Aubrey era in Dallas has officially begun, and if his first season is any indication, it will be one marked by precision, record-breaking performance, and, finally, the long-term commitment his unprecedented debut so richly deserves.

Source: Based on news from ESPN.

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