It may take time for the Pittsburgh Steelers to get an offseason extension done with K Chris Boswell. But all eyes are on Dallas, a team trying to quickly wrap up a deal with their stud kicker, Brandon Aubrey.

Per Cowboys’ reporter Clarence Hill Jr., Dallas has a standing offer to make Aubrey the highest-paid kicker in the game. The problem is that Aubrey doesn’t think that’s enough.

The Cowboys have an offer on the table that would make Brandon Aubrey the highest paid kicker in the NFL, per source.
As of now he wants more than they offered. That’s partly why a deal has yet to be done

— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) February 24, 2026

The Cowboys have shown a willingness to get an early jump on contracts. Over the weekend, Dallas locked up pending free agent RB Javonte Williams to a contract that clarifies RB Kenneth Gainwell’s market.

A deal for Aubrey, or even the current standoff, could shape Boswell’s.

Currently, the highest-paid kicker from an average yearly value perspective is the Kansas City Chiefs’ Harrison Butker at $6.4 million per season. Dallas’s offer is apparently above that. Given that Butker signed his deal ahead of the 2024 season, Aubrey is likely arguing kickers are due for a big raise, not ever-so-slightly beating the top of the ticket.

Especially kickers like Aubrey. With one of the game’s biggest legs, he has made 35-of-44 career kicks from 50-plus yards. Since kicking for Dallas in 2023, no kicker has made more from 60-plus yards than Aubrey’s six. In fact, no other kicker has more than two. Aubrey has earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors in each of his three seasons. His presence changes the calculation for offenses and defenses. Once Dallas hits midfield, it’s in field-goal range.

Boswell doesn’t have quite the leg but can hit from 60 yards. He’s been among the NFL’s best and most consistent kickers for years with a knack for clutch boots. Boswell also does his job in Pittsburgh’s outdoor climate, compared to Aubrey, who often kicks from the comfort of Dallas’ retractable roof.

Myles Garrett’s record deal with Cleveland last year drove up T.J. Watt’s price even more. Similarly, Aubrey receiving a big-money deal with Dallas will impact Boswell’s ask. Neither will get $40 million-plus per year that the NFL’s top pass rushers command. But could Aubrey be searching for a deal that completely resets the kicker market? One that approaches $10 million per season? As valuable as he is, that’s not a crazy thought in a world where the NFL salary cap will be north of $300 million in 2026. (Update: Aubrey is reportedly seeing up to $10 million per season).

Speaking to reporters yesterday, GM Omar Khan noted he’d prefer to extend several players. Many of those names make up the 2023 draft class: CB Joey Porter Jr., TE Darnell Washington, NT Keeanu Benton, and EDGE Nick Herbig. But Boswell might be the surest bet of them all.

The dormant kicker market is waking up, and Aubrey’s camp wants to make a loud entrance. If he gets his contract first, Boswell will have his range. And the number to beat. Pittsburgh can only hope that Dallas and Aubrey have a messy standoff. This would allow them time in the summer for Boswell to sign a still record-breaking deal of, say, $7.5 million, but below what Aubrey will ultimately receive.