So, you want to know how much the Dallas Cowboys kicker makes? It’s a question that’s popped up in my head while I’m watching him nail a 58-yarder in the rain. I mean, the guy’s job is basically “kick ball through yellow sticks”—but he does it for millions of dollars. Let’s dive into this hilarious and slightly ludicrous world of NFL kicker salaries.
Meet the Man, The Myth, The Leg: Brandon Aubrey
If you’re talking about the Cowboys kicker in 2024, you’re talking about Brandon Aubrey. He’s not just any kicker; he’s a former soccer player and a computer science grad who literally spent a year kicking in the USFL before the Cowboys scooped him up. And boy, did they scoop him up with a fat contract.
In 2023, Aubrey signed a three-year deal worth $5.15 million total. That’s about $1.72 million per year. Let that sink in: he makes more in a single season than I’ll make in a decade, and his job involves running onto a field for maybe 10 seconds a game. Life’s unfair, but I’m not bitter.
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The Breakdown: What’s in That Contract?
His contract includes a $1.7 million signing bonus, which is just a giant pile of cash handed to him for, uh, agreeing to be really good at kicking. He also has base salaries that start at $940,000 in 2023 and rise to over $1.6 million by 2025. That’s a lot of zeroes for someone who never has to tackle anyone.
But here’s the kicker (pun very much intended): his cap hit for the Cowboys in 2024 is only $1.99 million. That’s a bargain for a guy who went 36-for-38 on field goals in 2023, including a perfect 10-for-10 from 50+ yards. He’s basically a cheat code in cleats.
Wait, Is That a Lot for a Kicker?
Great question, hypothetical friend! Compared to the highest-paid kickers in the NFL, Aubrey’s deal is actually a steal. Justin Tucker of the Ravens earns about $6 million per year. Evan McPherson of the Bengals rakes in around $4.8 million annually. So Aubrey is sitting comfortably in the middle class of kicker royalty.
Dallas Cowboys Sign All-Pro Kicker Brandon Aubrey to Historic Four-Year
That said, if you’re a kicker in the NFL, you’re already winning at life. The league minimum for a veteran kicker is around $1.08 million in 2024. That’s still more than most rocket scientists earn. And you get to watch football from the best seat in the house.
But What About the Pressure?
Here’s the thing: Aubrey makes $1.72 million a year, but every time he lines up for a game-winning kick, he’s one miss away from being the most hated man in Texas. That’s a heavy price tag. Imagine getting a bad Yelp review for missing a field goal—except the review is from 80,000 screaming fans and a bunch of angry dudes on Twitter.
So yeah, the money is nice, but the emotional toll is real. Aubrey has a $1.7 million signing bonus to cry into, though. So I think he’s fine.
Cowboys make Brandon Aubrey the highest paid kicker in NFL history
The Funny Math of Kicker Money
Let’s put this in perspective. Aubrey’s annual salary of about $1.72 million works out to roughly $33,000 per game (including preseason, regular season, and playoffs, if they make it). That’s $33,000 to kick maybe four field goals and a few extra points. That’s $8,250 per kick, assuming he makes them all. Talk about getting paid per foot movement.
Dak Prescott, the Cowboys quarterback, earns about $40 million per year. So for every one dollar Aubrey makes, Dak makes about $23. But Dak also gets hit by 300-pound linemen. Aubrey just watches from the sidelines, sipping Gatorade and checking his bank app. Not a bad gig.
What About the Future?
Aubrey’s contract runs through 2025. If he keeps being automatic from 50 yards—which is honestly insane—he’ll get a raise. Maybe a massive extension that makes him a multi-millionaire kicker with a house that has a ballroom just for his footballs. The Cowboys have a history of paying kickers well: Dan Bailey once made $3.3 million a year.
Cowboys’ $28M Deal Makes Soccer Reject Brandon Aubrey Highest-Paid
So, my bet? Aubrey will eventually ink a deal worth $4-5 million per year. At that point, we all need to consider quitting our jobs and learning how to kick a ball through yellow sticks. Look, I’m available, Dallas. I’m just sayin’.
So, How Much Does He Really Make?
Bottom line: in 2024, Brandon Aubrey will earn about $1.99 million in cap hit money and take home $1.72 million in actual salary before taxes. But don’t forget the per-game bonuses, which can add another $50,000 if he’s active every game. That’s enough for a nice car. Or 50,000 hot dogs. Your call, Brandon.
After taxes (federal, state, and Texas has no income tax—lucky him!), he probably keeps around $1.1 million. That’s still more than enough to buy a small island. Or a lifetime supply of kicking tees. Honestly, I respect the hustle.
Cowboys Make Brandon Aubrey Highest-Paid Kicker In NFL History - The Spun
The Uplifting Conclusion (You Made It!)
So here’s the happy truth: Brandon Aubrey makes a fantastic living doing something that looks easy but is unbelievably hard. Every kick is a tiny, high-stakes drama, and he gets paid millions to keep his cool. That’s inspiring, right? It means that if you really master one weird, specific skill—even if it’s kicking a ball—the world will pay you handsomely for it.
But more importantly, Aubrey’s story reminds us that success doesn’t have to come from a traditional path. He went from a computer science degree to a soccer field to the USFL to the Cowboys. And now, he’s not just rich—he’s a beloved rich guy who makes fans scream with joy. That’s a win for everyone.
So next time you see him line up for a 57-yarder in the fourth quarter, smile. You’re watching a guy who’s living his dream, kicking his way to a fortune, and making millions while doing it. And honestly? Good for him. Now go kick your own dreams—just maybe not a field goal. Or do. I’m not your boss.