Cowboys ‘Have to Bend’ on Potential $32 Million All-Pro Decision
For the Cowboys, as long as Jerry Jones has been running the show, getting top-level contracts to players who are at the top of their positions across the league has not been a particularly easy process. And it might sound worthy of a chuckle at first blush, but it shouldn’t: Jones and the Cowboys could well find themselves in that same kind of contract standoff with the team’s kicker, Brandon Aubrey.
It won’t rise to the level of the Cowboys’ negotiations on new deals with CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott last year, but Aubrey is, indeed, heading into free agency. He can be a restricted free-agent under NFL rules–allowing the Cowboys to match offers for him–but this is a case in which the team ought to simply be aggressive in getting its two-time All-Pro locked up on a fair market deal.
And that deal is likely to be a record-setter.
Cowboys Scoring ‘Maximized’ Thanks to Brandon Aubrey
That’s the view from the NFL contract expert website Spotrac, where manager editor Mike Ginnitti points out that kickers are more important than ever. Aubrey, being the best in the business, should expect to be paid accordingly.
Said Ginnitti on “The Spotrac Podcast” this week: “One of the bigger takeaways halfway through 2025 is not just how successful kickers are, but the length, the distance. Now they’re using kicker balls, a lot of things happening, the league is promoting this kind of thing especially with the kickoff changes. But there’s no question, especially with a player like Brandon Aubrey, that his importance to the Dallas Cowboys’ scoring—and scoring is all Dallas does—is maximized. …
“Jerry Jones is gonna have to just bend on this one and just give this player the extension that he is worthy of because he is basically an offensive weapon for this team. And he has paid CeeDee Lamb, he has paid Jake Ferguson and he has paid Dak Prescott, of course, a couple of times. This is just the next guy in line.”
Cowboys Have Had Special Luck at Kicker
As we have seen, Jones and the Cowboys are increasingly unwilling to “bend” on contracts, and wound up simply trading away Micah Parsons once that situation fell apart. But Aubrey’s value is clear. He is 17-for-18 on field-goal attempts this season, and has a 64-yarder to his credit. In his career, he has made 90.3% of his field goals, and 96.4% on extra points.
Kicker who produce that way can’t be treated as afterthoughts.
“(Kickers) need to be treated as more than just special teamers because the amount of points, the amount of consistency, the amount of reliance they’re being asked to be taking on from their respective teams is as great as it has ever been in the game,” Ginnitti said.
Brandon Aubrey, $32 Million Man?
Entering the season, the highest paid kicker in the league was Harrison Butker of the Chiefs, who got a four-year, $25 million contract that started last year. But that $6.4 million per year is not likely to stand, not with the way that kicking has been emphasized across the league this year.
Combine that with an expected spike in the salary cap, and Aubrey is in prime position to clean up.
“The cap jumps to $300, maybe $305 (million) next year, you aren’t crazy to start hearing four for $32 million for Brandon Aubrey,” Ginnitti said.
“I think we’re heading toward $8 million a year for kickers, not just because of the cap increase, the cash increase and the flux that brings, but it feels like this position is more important than it has been in years if not decades to these NFL teams and their respective offenses. We’ve got guys doing it at a very high level who are going to need a contract this offseason.”
Alvin Kamara Silences Critics, Proves He’s Still the Saints’ Offensive Engine
Alvin Kamara played a major role in the New Orleans Saints 17-7 victory over the Carolina Panthers. The 30 year old running back reached over 100 scrimmage yards for the second time this season. This game showed that Kamara still has gas in the tank and that he still is a viable option for Tyler Shough as a receiver.
Kamara had 22 carries for 83 yards as a rusher and three receptions for 32 yards through the air. Although Shough had an amazing day, a major reason was Kamara forcing the defense to respect the run.
Kellen Moore still clearly believes that Kamara can be a star back; he wouldn’t reach 25 touches in a game elsewise. His usage has been inconsistent this year but he’s trending back in the right direction now. The Saints must continue to utilize him throughout the remainder of the season.
Alvin Kamara is a valuable on the field and off the field asset for the Saints
The “expiration date” for an NFL running back is said to be approximately 28 years old, but Kamara has changed the narrative by showing that he can still be productive late in his career. It’s a luxury that the Saints should use to help their rookie quarterback and develop the young backs behind him.
A running back and a solid tight end are crucial for a rookie quarterback. They are vital options for him when he’s under pressure or just needs a quick outlet. Kamara fills this role perfectly as he’s an outstanding route runner and has sure hands. Shough needs to continue leaning on him and trusting him to create dynamic plays for the offense.
Another underrated piece that Kamara impacts is the development of the other running backs behind him. Devin Neal and Kendre Miller are both young players who have benefited from his mentorship. His leadership and teaching can extend to the entire offense as a whole. He’s a fabulous locker room presence who has undoubtedly helped the team navigate their early-season struggles.
Alvin Kamara is an invaluable asset for the New Orleans Saints. He isn’t slowing down on the field as he’s coming off a game with his most touches and yards on the year. Kamara needs to continue this level production as the Saints look to finish the season strong.
