The star long-range kicker continues to give Dallas a reason to believe from a distance. Brandon Aubrey drilled four field goals in an earlier thriller against the Giants. One of those kicks was a last-second equalizer in regulation, followed by a walk-off field goal in overtime—a rare double that underscores just how valuable his leg has become in close games.
Aubrey has also stacked multiple successful attempts from 60-plus yards this fall, turning long-range tries into routine points and reshaping Dallas’ scoring geography. His ability to consistently convert these difficult kicks stretches opposing defenses and changes how the Cowboys approach scoring opportunities.
ESPN recently floated a provocative idea in an NFL rumors piece, listing potential trade chips that include WR Jonathan Mingo, RB Javonte Williams, DT Mazi Smith, DT Kenny Clark, edge rushers Sam Williams and James Houston, and kicker Brandon Aubrey. The article notes that Dallas currently sits at 3-4-1 and faces a brutal upcoming schedule with games against the Eagles, Chiefs, and Lions—factors that cloud any postseason outlook.
While the author doubts the Cowboys would actually move Aubrey, they frame a thought experiment: a noncontender may not maximize an elite kicker who turns 31 next year and is extension eligible. Meanwhile, Dallas needs salary cap flexibility around key players Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. Although most teams won’t pay a premium draft pick for a kicker, Aubrey might be the exception. The question lingers—would an all-in team consider giving up a second-round pick? The writer’s guess is probably not, but the debate remains open.
Why does this rumor keep gaining traction? The answer is simple: Aubrey changes the win probability. He shrinks fourth-down calculus for head coach Mike McCarthy, punishes stalled drives just past midfield, and forces defenses to adjust how they defend the final five minutes of a game because Dallas can reliably score from almost anywhere beyond midfield.
If a contender is thin at kicker, the marginal value of a player like Aubrey spikes, especially in January-style playoff games. Age and contract context also factor into the equation. Kickers often play deep into their 30s, but extension timing matters, and cap planning around Prescott and Lamb tightens Dallas’ roster decisions.
That is why, despite Dallas’ insistence on keeping Aubrey, outside executives continue to ask the same question: will the Cowboys eventually trade their valuable kicker? For now, the answer remains no—but the discussion is far from over.
https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/nfl-rumors-insider-wonders-if-rams-would-make-bombshell-brandon-aubrey-trade