The Dallas Cowboys’ star Cowboys Kicker, Brandon Aubrey, just dropped a bombshell on social media, straight up denying reports that he’s seeking a whopping $10 million per year in free agency. He called the claims “Fake,” and his wife Jenn echoed the sentiment with a “False” of her own.
For real, this whole contract saga has been getting wild, and Aubrey’s swift clapback on Instagram — a single, definitive word: “Fake.” — has everyone asking, “What’s the real scoop?” The rumor mill had been buzzing hard after reports suggested Aubrey’s camp had turned down a record-breaking $7.5 million per year offer from the Cowboys, holding out for an unprecedented sum. It’s safe to say, the dude is lowkey pushing back on what he sees as pure fabrication.
Let’s be honest, asking for nearly $10 million a year as a kicker would be absolutely unheard of in the NFL. To put it in perspective, the current top earner at the position is Harrison Butker of the Kansas City Chiefs, pulling in a respectable but significantly lower $6.4 million annually. For Aubrey to command almost double that would mean a complete reset of the kicker market, making him one of the highest-paid non-quarterbacks on many rosters. That’s highkey a massive leap for any specialist, even for someone as clutch as Aubrey.
While Aubrey’s performance has been nothing short of phenomenal – seriously, the guy is a legit weapon – the idea of a kicker hitting an eight-figure salary might feel a little spicy for some general managers. His stats are on point, though: he’s the NFL’s all-time leader in field goals of at least 60 yards, and boasts an 88.2% career accuracy rate. This isn’t some rando; this is a kicker who consistently delivers, especially when the pressure is on and the game is on the line. He’s been money, no cap.
His journey to NFL stardom is, no cap, a pretty dope story itself. Before becoming the Cowboys’ clutch kicker, Aubrey was a professional soccer player, drafted by Toronto FC in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft. He played as a defender for a few years, even scoring a goal or two. But after a stint in USL Championship, his soccer career fizzled out. Most guys would hang it up, but Aubrey wasn’t done with professional sports – he still had that competitive fire.
He pivoted, diving headfirst into kicking. This wasn’t just a casual hobby; he dedicated himself to the craft, training intensely with former NFL kickers and honing his powerful leg. He ended up getting noticed by the USFL’s Birmingham Stallions, where he quickly proved his mettle, showcasing remarkable accuracy and consistency. His stellar performance there caught the eye of NFL scouts, leading to his signing with America’s Team. Talk about a glow-up! From the soccer pitch to lighting up the scoreboard for the Cowboys – that’s a straight-up Cinderella story, folks, and it’s pretty sick to see.
Now, back to the money talk. Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones openly acknowledged that negotiations with Aubrey have been “a journey” since before the 2025 season. This isn’t just a quick handshake deal; it’s a complicated dance, with both sides trying to find common ground. Jones’s comment suggests the team genuinely wants to keep him, but perhaps not at any cost. It’s a classic negotiation, playing hardball while trying to keep a key player happy.
As a restricted free agent (RFA), Aubrey’s situation is unique. The Cowboys hold a lot of cards here. The most likely scenario, according to ESPN, is that the franchise will place a second-round tender on him. For those not in the know, an RFA tender means the Cowboys essentially put a price tag on Aubrey based on draft pick compensation. If another team offers him a contract, the Cowboys have the right to match it. If they don’t match, the team signing Aubrey would have to give the Cowboys a second-round draft pick. That’s a valuable asset, making it a high hurdle for any rival team looking to poach their star kicker.
This RFA designation means Aubrey isn’t completely free to shop himself around without consequence. While he can negotiate with other teams, the tender acts as a significant deterrent. Most teams are hesitant to give up a valuable draft pick, especially a second-rounder, for a kicker, no matter how good. So, in essence, the ball is still very much in the Cowboys’ court, even if Aubrey and his agent are doing their best to maximize his value. It’s a chess match, for real.
The Dallas front office is navigating a pretty complex offseason, with Aubrey’s contract being just one of several high-stakes situations. Another major puzzle piece is the likely franchise tag for wide receiver George Pickens, which also ties up significant cap space. Balancing these critical re-signings and extensions while staying cap-compliant is a high-pressure gig for the Cowboys’ brass. They’re playing financial Jenga, trying not to let anything come crashing down.
What’s clear is that Brandon Aubrey is a pivotal player for the Cowboys. His consistency and ability to convert long-range attempts have been game-changers, and finding a kicker of his caliber isn’t easy. Whether the “Fake” rumors were a strategic leak to gauge public reaction, or just plain misinformation, the underlying negotiation is very real. The expectation is he’ll become the highest-paid kicker in NFL history; the real question is by how much, and what that final number will look like when the ink dries. It’s a tense standoff, but for a guy who delivers under pressure, this might just be another day at the office. He’s proven he’s got the grit.
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