Controversial Proposed NFL Trade Has Cowboys Cut Ties With Best Player
The Dallas Cowboys have been linked to plenty of players in rumors ahead of the NFL trade deadline on November 4, 2025. Yet, the Cowboys’ early season struggles could also have Dallas considering parting way with some key veteran players.
ESPN’s Bill Barnwell floated a controversial trade pitch that is sure to anger plenty of Cowboys fans. In terms of production, it is hard to argue that kicker Brandon Aubrey is at the top of the list.
Aubrey has emerged as the best kicker in the NFL, but the challenge is the specialist is headed to NFL free agency in 2026. The good news is Aubrey is a restricted free agent which allows Dallas to match any offer.
Aubrey is due for a sizable raise from his current three-year, $2.6 million contract. Spotrac projects Aubrey’s market value to be a four-year, $23.7 million contract.
All this has Barnwell suggesting that the Cowboys should at least consider a trade for Aubrey.
Cowboys Trade Rumors: Proposal Has Dallas Deal Kicker Brandon Aubrey to Rams
The analyst admitted that he would be “stunned” if Dallas actually traded Aubrey. The trade pitch has Dallas sending Aubrey to the Los Angeles Rams for a future second-round draft pick.
“I would be stunned if the Cowboys traded Aubrey, but I’m throwing him out here more as a thought experiment than anything else,” Barnwell wrote in an October 30, story titled, “2025 NFL trade deadline: Which teams should add, subtract?” “A going-nowhere Cowboys team doesn’t have much use for Aubrey, and although kickers can play into their 40s, the former soccer player is already 30 years old. He’s obviously a valuable player, but Aubrey is eligible for an extension next offseason, and the Cowboys need to save money around Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb to address their defense.
“Most teams aren’t going to trade a premium pick for a kicker, but Aubrey is so good that I wonder whether all-in teams might be willing to make an exception. Would someone like the Rams be willing to offer the Cowboys a second-round pick for Aubrey? My guess is no, but it’s fun to think about.”
Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones on Brandon Aubrey’s Free Agency: ‘He’s Certainly in the Future’
After Aubrey’s game-winning field goal against the New York Giants back in September, owner Jerry Jones admitted that the kicker was due for a contract extension. Aubrey’s future has flown under the radar with wide receiver George Pickens also headed to free agency.
“He certainly is coming,” Jones said of Aubrey’s future during a September interview, per Yahoo Sports. “We’ll be looking at that. Probably have had communications since the kick. But he’s certainly in the future.”
Cowboys Rumors: Dallas Linked to Trade Talks With the Dolphins
Aubrey has become a fan favorite given his kicking range and consistency. Something that would likely please Cowboys fans is if the team becomes buyers at the deadline. Cowboys insider Mike Fisher reported that the front office has inquired about a potential trade with the Miami Dolphins, potentially for one of the team’s pass rushers.
“The Cowboys keep getting linked to Miami Dolphins edge rusher Jaelan Phillips, and for good reason,” Fisher wrote in a November 2, story titled, “Sources: Cowboys Call Bengals, ‘Examine’ Dolphins Trio, Maxx Still Alive? Fish Trade Deadline Notebook.”
“A source tells me that Dallas is ‘examining’ not only Phillips, but also Miami pass-rush teammates Matthew Judon and Bradley Chubb.”
Denver Broncos Beat Houston Texans in Their 6th Straight Win
The Broncos did it again! After playing lackluster in the first half, Denver was able to pull off yet another comeback. Their defense was outstanding in all four quarters, and the offense woke up in the second half. They are now 7-2 on the season and sit in first place in the AFC West.
Broncos Come Up Clutch Again!
The storyline all season for Denver has been their ability to overcome deficits late in the fourth quarter. They trailed 12-7 heading into the second half, and Bo Nix couldn’t find any rhythm. The defense bailed them out once again, stopping the Texans when it mattered most, and most notably, a red zone stop when the Texans were on the one-yard line in the first quarter.
Bo Nix did struggle for most of the game, but made the big plays when it mattered most. Nix had two beautiful passes for touchdowns that went to Courtland Sutton and RJ Harvey. He also threaded the needle to Troy Franklin on a two-point conversion to tie the game at 15. On their final drive, Bo used his legs to take advantage of a huge gap in the middle of the field and scrambled for 25 yards. The Broncos would continue to pound the rock, setting themselves up for the game-winning field goal.
Denver’s defensive line had another stellar day, getting after the quarterback and once again dominating the line of scrimmage. Talanoa Hufanga’s performance was one to remember, making a ton of great tackles in open space to stop the run and recording two important pass deflections.
Texans Couldn’t Capitalize On Opportunities
Despite losing CJ Stroud early in the second quarter, the Texans had a ton of chances to win this game. Houston had the ball on the Broncos’ 2-yard line and ended up losing 21 yards on three plays. They continue to struggle getting it done in the red zone, and one of the main reasons why they lost today’s game.
Houston’s defense was fantastic today, but couldn’t hold on late in the game. When the Texans’ offense wasn’t able to get anything going but a quick three-and-out, it forced the defense to quickly get back out onto the field. The Broncos’ special teams unit was basically handing the game over, giving the Texans great starting field position on what felt like every single drive.
The Texans will stay home next week to take on the Jacksonville Jaguars in a divisional matchup, but will most likely be without CJ Stroud as he remains in concussion protocol. Stroud hit the ground hard after scrambling on third down, landing awkwardly on his head after not fully committing to a slide. Kris Abrams-Draine had a clean shoulder-to-shoulder hit on Stroud, not making any contact with his helmet.
Final Thoughts
Both defenses should be the biggest takeaways from this matchup. Matt Burke and Vance Joseph did a great job shutting down their opponents, as they both made a case for who is the best defensive unit in all of football.
The Broncos were able to get the job done, but they still have a lot of things to clean up. Darren Rizzi has done a terrible job as the special teams coordinator thus far, as they continue to make mind-boggling mistakes. The most notable one came at the hands of Michael Bandy, who misplayed the punt, missing the ball and letting it hit him, which the Texans were able to turn into a field goal right before halftime.
I’d like to see Denver play like they do late in games for all four quarters, like they did last week against the Dallas Cowboys. Pulling off comeback after comeback each week is something that isn’t sustainable for the Broncos.
