Brandon Aubrey could become the NFL’s highest-paid kicker - Here’s how he stacks up
Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey is changing the conversation around NFL kickers, looking to reset the market in 2026.
Brandon Aubrey, the Dallas Cowboys’ Pro Bowl kicker, is in the middle of high-stakes contract talks that could make him the highest-paid kicker in NFL history.
The Cowboys and Aubrey’s agent, Todd France, are reportedly far apart in negotiations. The team has offered a deal higher than Kansas City’s Harrison Butker ($6.4M per season), but France is asking for a figure closer to $10 million annually.
Aubrey’s numbers may justify the ask. He has made six field goals of 60+ yards, the most in NFL history, and connected on 11-of-17 attempts from 50+ yards last season. Over his career, he’s 112-of-127 with a long of 65 yards and a Pro Bowler in each of his first three seasons.
Most NFL teams don’t pay kickers like premium offensive players, even elite ones, so a $10M+ deal would dramatically reset expectations for the position. Today’s kickers are typically paid in the $3M–$6M per year range, with only a handful above $5M AAV.
So how does Aubrey compare to other top kickers? Let’s have a look.
Highest-paid kickers in NFL 2026
| Rank | Player | Team | Avg. Annual Salary | Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Harrison Butker | Kansas City Chiefs | $6.4M | Pro Bowl kicker, clutch performer, long-range specialist |
| 2 | Brandon Aubrey | Dallas Cowboys (RFA, pending new deal) | ~$5.8M (tender) | 3× Pro Bowler, record 60+ yard FGs, could surpass Butker if new deal hits ~$10M |
| 3 | Tyler Bass | Buffalo Bills | ~$4.0M | Reliable kicker in high-powered offense, consistent accuracy |
| 4 | Matt Prater | Arizona Cardinals | ~$3.5M | Veteran with long-distance leg, known for 60+ yarders |
| 5 | Riley Patterson | Detroit Lions | ~$3.4M | Solid accuracy, key contributor in scoring-heavy offense |
| 6 | Eddy Pineiro | New York Jets | ~$3.0M | Effective in high-pressure kicks, improving career consistency |
Where Aubrey and the Cowboys stand
Kickers rarely reach the spotlight of NFL contract talks, but Aubrey’s combination of historic leg strength, consistency, and playoff reliability could reset the market.
His existing contract is set to expire after the 2026 season, and he’s expected to become a restricted free agent. Dallas has the option to place a second‑round tender on him, a one‑year deal worth roughly $5.8 million, which would give the Cowboys the right of first refusal on any offer but no draft compensation if he signs elsewhere.
Because Aubrey entered the league as an undrafted free agent, Dallas could also choose to use the franchise tag on him in 2027 to keep him under contract without letting him hit unrestricted free agency. Despite his production and three straight Pro Bowl selections, his offseason negotiations with the Cowboys have yet to produce a long‑term agreement. If they meet his $10M target, he would leapfrog all previous kicker contracts.
Beyond money, Aubrey’s deal could influence how teams value long-distance specialists, potentially giving the NFL’s best-legged players leverage for the first time.
Related stories
Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.