Brandon Aubrey’s $10M demand, Javonte Williams’ cap-friendly deal, and Clowney uncertainty headline Cowboys drama at the NFL Combine.
The Dallas Cowboys didn’t waste time stirring up headlines at the NFL Combine, and this time, it’s the kicker stealing the spotlight.
On Thursday's Dallas Cowboys Daily Blitz LIVE, Timm “IndyCarTim” Hamm of Fan Stream Sports - Dallas, broke down the growing contract tension between the Cowboys and All-Pro kicker Brandon Aubrey.
According to reports, Dallas has offered Aubrey a record-setting deal around than $7.5 million per year. But Aubrey’s camp is reportedly pushing for $10 million annually - a number that would shatter the NFL kicker market.
“I think Aubrey is the best kicker in the NFL,” Hamm said. “But I’m not paying a kicker $10 million a year.”
It’s a bold stance - but not without leverage.
(Worth noting: Aubrey has used social media to call some of the numbers in these reports "false.'')
The Cowboys could use the restricted free agent tender at $5.8 million, or even the franchise tag down the line. If another team bites at more, Dallas could recoup a second-round draft pick.
Meanwhile, the front office quietly executed a team-friendly deal with running back Javonte Williams. The three-year contract includes $16 million guaranteed, a $6 million signing bonus, and a manageable 2026 cap hit of just $3.95 million. His base salary this season? Only $1.75 million.
“That’s smart cap management,” Hamm noted. “You solidify the offense without blowing up your books.”
And that appears to be the broader strategy.
Stephen Jones indicated the Cowboys plan to “lean toward” tagging wide receiver George Pickens while keeping the offensive core intact.
With Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, Pickens, Jake Ferguson, and Williams, Dallas remains one of the NFL’s most explosive units after finishing among the league’s top offenses last season.
The bigger questions sit on defense.
Jadeveon Clowney has not begun contract talks, and Jones suggested new defensive coordinator Christian Parker will weigh in before decisions are made. If Clowney walks, Dallas’ pass rush depth thins quickly.
The Cowboys did add respected pass-rush specialist BT Jordan to the coaching staff - a move drawing early praise - but personnel decisions loom large.
As Hamm framed it: “Are they building a contender - or just managing optics?”
At the NFL Combine, the Cowboys’ biggest kicks aren’t coming from 50 yards out. They’re coming from the negotiating table.