The Dallas Cowboys grabbed hold of a gemstone after reaching into a pile of dull marbles when signing undrafted Brandon Aubrey out of the UFL.
In other words … they did not expect a kicker signed out of the spring league to turn into a rookie sensation, NFL record-setter, and All-Pro selection.
But that’s exactly what happened after Aubrey – a former soccer player in college – was picked up by the Cowboys ahead of the 2023 season.
He would go on to lead the NFL in field goals made (36) as a rookie after setting a record for the most consecutive made makes to start a career (35). His encore last season was also incredibly productive – often leading fans to pinpoint Aubrey as the Cowboys’ best player amid a forgetful 7-10 overall showing.
Now it’s time that he gets paid accordingly.
Aubrey was signed to a three-year, $2.65 million contract, meaning he is entering the final year of his deal and eligible for an extension – one that he undoubtedly deserves and the Cowboys plan on signing … eventually.
Aubrey isn’t the only high-profile player in line for an extension; Micah Parsons, DaRon Bland, Tyler Smith and George Pickens are all valuable pieces that Dallas should want to keep long-term if possible.
However, kicker contracts don’t typically look the same as that of a stud pass rusher or receiver.
Aubrey joined The Dumb Zone podcast to detail the uniqueness of his current situation and how he has began to understand the business of the NFL.
“Every year is a contract year when you’ve got no guarantees,” Aubrey said with a smile about facing pressure of an expiring contract.
“I’ve been on two contracts years. I’m playing another contract year.”
Not only does he play a low-paying position – a $6 million APY deal would put him at the top of the charts – but he also joined the Cowboys with no track record from college or the NFL. He was tasked with proving his worth, and thus not getting to enjoy the luxuries of guaranteed money on his contract.
“When you have no guarantees, it’s basically – not even a one-year deal – like a one-game deal with team options all the way through. They can cut you whenever and they don’t owe you anything,” Aubrey said.
He’s not ripping Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. He’s not ripping anybody.
It’s just facts.
It’s safe to say that Aubrey has done enough to earn a healthy salary with at least some guaranteed money on his second contract – something he is looking forward to based on his familiarity with how others react to this milestone.
“That’s why the second contract’s such a big deal for all the players because that’s where you make your money. If you’re performing well enough to receive a second contract, you’re usually way out-performing your first contract, which is where we’re at now.
“So, hopefully we can get that second one wrapped up. Just keep performing until then and just perform after that, too. You don’t want to stop at two.”
Aubrey will have a base salary of $1.03 million on his current deal. His $898,333 average annual salary over the three-year deal ranks 41st most expensive in the league. Only four kickers’ contracts cost less.
If – and when – he and Jerry’s Cowboys agree to an extension, Aubrey could go from one of the lowest-paid kickers in the league to the highest-paid in league history.
And yes … with guarantees.
