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Cowboys Kicker Contract Talks Stall

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, February 25th 2026 at 21:04 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: UNITED STATES, CANADA

Frisco, TX - February 26th, 2026 - The Dallas Cowboys are facing a potentially tricky situation with star kicker Brandon Aubrey, as contract negotiations have stalled, revealing a significant gap between the team's valuation and the player's expectations. The dispute, first reported by CBS Sports' Jon Machota, is more than just a negotiation over a special teams player; it's a microcosm of the evolving financial landscape of the NFL and a potential bellwether for how teams will value specialist positions in the years to come.

Aubrey exploded onto the scene in 2024, exceeding all expectations as a rookie. His 84.6% field goal percentage and impressive 54.3-yard average weren't just good numbers, they were crucial to the Cowboys' success. He proved to be remarkably consistent under pressure, converting key kicks in pivotal moments throughout the season. This immediate impact has naturally inflated his market value, leading him to seek a contract commensurate with the league's top kickers.

The Cowboys, however, seem reluctant to immediately meet those demands. While acknowledging Aubrey's talent, the front office appears to be weighing the cost against the perceived value of the kicker position. Traditionally, kickers have not commanded the massive contracts afforded to quarterbacks, wide receivers, or defensive stars. However, the increasing importance of field position and the shrinking margins for error in the modern NFL are forcing teams to re-evaluate that long-held belief.

This hesitation isn't unique to Dallas. Teams across the league are grappling with how to fairly compensate players at specialist positions. The rise of analytics has demonstrated that a reliable kicker can literally be the difference between a playoff berth and a missed opportunity. A missed field goal can cost a team a game, and in the increasingly competitive NFL, even one lost game can significantly impact a team's postseason chances.

The Cowboys' situation is further complicated by the presence of other teams likely monitoring the negotiations closely. Aubrey's success has made him a highly desirable asset, and several teams with unstable kicking situations will undoubtedly be prepared to offer him a lucrative contract should negotiations with Dallas completely fall apart. This creates a classic supply and demand scenario, potentially driving up Aubrey's price even further.

While the Cowboys have recently extended contracts for key players like CeeDee Lamb, suggesting a willingness to invest in their core, they are also mindful of maintaining salary cap flexibility. Dak Prescott is poised for another "big" season, and Micah Parsons is setting his sights on ambitious records, both demanding significant financial commitments. Balancing these needs with Aubrey's contract request is a delicate act.

The team's internal debate likely revolves around establishing a precedent. If they concede to Aubrey's demands, it could open the floodgates for other specialists to seek similar contracts. However, failing to adequately compensate a proven performer could lead to a loss of a valuable asset and a potential competitive disadvantage.

The parallels to recent NFL contract disputes are evident. The shift towards valuing specialists started a few years ago with punters, and now kickers are looking to capitalize on this trend. The Aubrey situation highlights the ongoing negotiation between traditional positional value and modern game dynamics. It will be interesting to see if the Cowboys are willing to adapt and recognize the increased importance of the kicker position, or if they will adhere to the older, more conservative approach.

The next few weeks will be critical. The Cowboys must decide whether to bridge the gap with Aubrey, explore potential trade options, or risk losing their rising star to a rival team. This contract dispute is a clear indicator that the NFL is entering a new era where even the most specialized roles are subject to increasing scrutiny - and escalating price tags.