Dallas Cowboys Place Second-Round Restricted Free Agent Tender on Brandon Aubrey: A Trend Summary
The Dallas Cowboys officially placed a second-round restricted free agent tender on kicker Brandon Aubrey on March 7, 2026. This move secures the Pro Bowl kicker's rights for the upcoming season while providing the team with significant draft pick protection should another franchise attempt to sign him. While the tender ensures Aubrey remains in Dallas for now, the player has publicly noted that the high-round tender is not the ideal outcome for his long-term contract goals.
TL;DR
- The Dallas Cowboys applied a second-round tender to Pro Bowl kicker Brandon Aubrey.
- Aubrey will earn approximately $5.4 million for the 2026 season under this designation.
- Other teams can sign Aubrey to an offer sheet, but Dallas maintains the right to match or receive a second-round pick as compensation.
- The kicker expressed that while he wants to stay in Dallas, a long-term deal was his preferred path.
What Happened
On March 7, 2026, the Dallas Cowboys front office moved to retain kicker Brandon Aubrey by applying a second-round restricted free agent (RFA) tender. Aubrey, who has become one of the most accurate and powerful kickers in the NFL since joining the league from the USFL, was eligible for restricted free agency this offseason. By applying the second-round tender, the Cowboys have effectively set a high price tag for any other team interested in acquiring his services. The move occurred just days before the official start of the NFL's new league year and the opening of the free agency signing period.
Key Developments
The second-round tender carries a projected salary of $5.431 million for the 2026 NFL season. Under the rules of restricted free agency, Aubrey is permitted to negotiate and sign an offer sheet with any of the other 31 NFL teams. If he does sign an external offer, the Dallas Cowboys have five days to match the terms of that contract exactly to keep him on their roster. If the Cowboys choose not to match a rival team's offer, that team must surrender a second-round draft pick to Dallas in exchange for the kicker. Aubrey addressed the situation publicly, stating that while the tender provides security, it is "not the ideal" scenario compared to a long-term contract extension that would provide multi-year stability.
Why This Matters
This transaction is significant because it secures a vital special teams asset for a Dallas team looking to maintain its competitive standing in the NFC. Brandon Aubrey's performance has been record-breaking, and losing him without significant compensation would have created a major void in the Cowboys' scoring unit. The second-round designation is a rare and aggressive move for a kicker, reflecting Aubrey's elite value and the team's determination to prevent him from leaving for a low cost. It also impacts the Cowboys' salary cap for 2026, as the $5.4 million tender must be accounted for immediately unless a long-term deal is reached to lower the first-year cap hit.
What Happens Next
Brandon Aubrey and the Dallas Cowboys have until the middle of April 2026 for the kicker to sign offer sheets with other teams. If no other team makes an offer, Aubrey will likely play the 2026 season on the one-year tender amount. However, both parties can continue to negotiate a multi-year contract extension at any point before the start of the regular season. The NFL free agency period officially begins on March 11, 2026, which is when external teams can formally begin talks with Aubrey's representatives.
FAQ
What is a second-round tender in the NFL?
A second-round tender is a contract offer made to a restricted free agent that gives the original team the right to match any outside offer. If the team declines to match, they receive a second-round draft pick as compensation from the team that signs the player. For the 2026 season, this tender is valued at approximately $5.4 million for Brandon Aubrey.
Did Brandon Aubrey sign a long-term deal with the Cowboys?
No, as of March 7, 2026, Aubrey has not signed a long-term extension. He has been placed under a one-year restricted free agent tender, though he has expressed a preference for a more permanent contract arrangement.
Can another team still sign Brandon Aubrey?
Yes, other NFL teams can sign Aubrey to an offer sheet during the restricted free agency period in March and April 2026. However, because of the second-round tender, the interested team would have to give up a second-round draft pick if the Cowboys choose not to match the offer.
How much will Brandon Aubrey earn in 2026?
Under the current second-round tender placed by the Dallas Cowboys on March 7, 2026, Brandon Aubrey is scheduled to earn a salary of roughly $5.431 million. This amount is fully guaranteed if he plays under the tender for the duration of the season.
