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ARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 10: Brandon Aubrey #17 of the Dallas Cowboys reacts after a 33-13 victory against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium on December 10, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)
The Dallas Cowboys didn’t have the season they’d hoped for. In HC Brian Schottenheimer’s first season at the helm, the Cowboys went 7-9-1 and missed the playoffs, fielding one of the most explosive offenses in the league while simultaneously having the league’s worst defense. The Cowboys have work to do on their roster to make it ready for a run at the playoffs heading into next season.
The biggest name and highest-priority player who’s a pending free agent for the Cowboys is undoubtedly WR George Pickens. After coming over in a trade from Pittsburgh last year, he torched opposing defenses for Dallas, forming arguably the league’s top wide receiver tandem alongside CeeDee Lamb.
But Pickens isn’t the only key Cowboys player on an expiring contract. Brandon Aubrey, one of the best kickers in the NFL history is set to become a free agent. He’s a real weapon for Dallas and losing him would be a major blow.
Dallas Cowboys K Brandon Aubrey on His Future
GettyEAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – OCTOBER 05: Brandon Aubrey #17 of the Dallas Cowboys in action during the NFL 2025 game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on October 05, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Aubrey has been a legitimate weapon for the Cowboys since signing with the team in 2023. He’s a career 88.2-percent field goal kicker, one of the highest percentages in NFL history, and he’s only missed four of his 130 extra point attempts. The former soccer player has connected on 35 field goals of over 50 yards in his career, including six from over 60 yards.
On Friday, Aubrey was asked about his time in Dallas and his future with the Cowboys:
“This is such a dream to be in Dallas, and we hope you never leave,” said NBC 5’s Meredith Land.
“Me too,” Aubrey said with a chuckle. “That would be nice.”
“Is that the goal [of free agency], to stay?” Land asked.
“Yes, absolutely,” Aubrey responded.
Aubrey clearly wants to stay put, and it’s easy to assume the Cowboys would welcome him back. Currently, Chiefs K Harrison Butker currently paces the kicker market at $6.4 million in average annual value. Meanwhile, Aubrey’s current contract pays him $898,333 per year. He’s the third-lowest paid kicker in the league.
It’s safe to say that Aubrey will want a raise, and he could easily push to be the NFL’s highest-paid kicker. The Cowboys will try and fit him into their budget, but it remains to be seen if they’ll be able to.
The Dallas Cowboys Must Improve Their Defense
The Cowboys didn’t just have the worst defense in the NFL this year. They graded out as one of the worst defenses in years, ranking near the bottom of almost every major defensive category. Dallas was 30th in total defense, 32nd in scoring defense, 23rd in run defense, 32nd in pass defense, and 32nd in EPA per play allowed.
As good as Dallas’ offense was, they needed more from their defense. Or anything, really. The Cowboys will focus some of their offseason attention on getting more depth and talent on the defensive side of the ball.
Ethan Woodie is an accomplished sports writer specializing in the NFL and college football for Heavy.com. He’s written for Heavy since 2025 and has years of experience writing for NFL Trade Rumors and Pro Football Focus (PFF). Woodie is an expert in draft scouting and his final 2025 Big Board was included in Arif Hasan’s media consensus board for Wide Left. More about Ethan Woodie
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