Late in the second half versus the Detroit Lions, their kick returner was on yet another extended return near midfield. With one man to beat, the returner was stonewalled by a tackler, who just turned out to be the Cowboys’ biggest weapon on special teams.
No, I’m not talking about ST Ace C.J. Goodwin. That tackler was K Brandon Aubrey.
As if he hasn’t been playing Superman for the Cowboys with his leg, he was forced to use his shoulder to bring down the ball-carrier because the kick coverage Thursday night was horrendous.
Kick coverage aside, Aubrey has proven to be one of the Cowboys’ biggest weapons, and the Cowboys would be wise to make sure it stays that way.
The Biggest Leg in Texas
Aubrey accomplished a feat on Thursday night that no other kicker in the history of the NFL has accomplished: he successfully converted his third 60-yard field goal in a single season.
The former soccer player is 9/11 on kicks of 50+ yards this year, and three of those kicks are from 60+.
His 63-yard kick near the end of the third quarter also set another NFL record. Aubrey became the first kicker in NFL history to make three field goals of 55+ yards in a single game.
Aubrey also put field goals through the uprights at 55 and 57 yards, along with an additional two successful kicks from 42 and 27 yards.
The Most Dependable Leg in Texas
Brandon Aubrey has earned himself a well-deserved nickname, “Butter” Aubrey because his kicking form is so smooth.
He never looks rushed or flustered, and routinely kicks field goals through the uprights with relative ease, no matter the distance.
Aubrey has made countless big kicks since winning the job before the 2023 season, and much like when Dan “Mr. Automatic” Bailey used to line up to kick, fans don’t worry.
There have been several times over the past couple of decades where Cowboys fans have to put their hands together and pray the kicker can make a simple 30-yard field goal.
The fanbase has actually been blessed to have experienced Bailey and Aubrey in the span of less than two decades, and the front office would be wise to extend that time beyond 2025.
Pay That Man
Brandon Aubrey signed a 3yr/$2.695 million rookie contract when he arrived in 2023, and he has far exceeded the terms of that contract.
Dallas has several players they would like to reward with new contracts, such as WR George Pickens, but if you ask me, Aubrey’s value is just as high.
When you have a kicker who you are 99% sure will put the kick through the uprights, it allows the other players and coaches to immediately get working on adjustments for the next drive, knowing three more points are hitting the scoreboard.
The highest-paid kicker in the NFL right now is the Chiefs’ Harrison Butker, who sits at $6.4 million dollars per year.
Aubrey is sure to exceed that number and become the highest-paid kicker in NFL history, and that would be just fine with me.
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