The biggest name and highest-priority pending free agent for the Cowboys is wide receiver George Pickens. Traded from Pittsburgh last year, Pickens immediately became a top target for Dallas and paired with CeeDee Lamb to form what some viewed as the league’s top receiver duo.
Another key pending free agent is kicker Brandon Aubrey, who has established himself as a legitimate weapon for Dallas. The former soccer player owns a storied kicking résumé, including a career FG percentage around the high 80s and a strong track record on longer kicks, and he has expressed a clear desire to stay with the Cowboys.
Aubrey’s numbers illustrate his value: a career 88.2% field goal percentage, only four misses on 130 extra-point attempts, and 35 field goals of 50 yards or more, including six over 60 yards. He currently earns $898,333 per year, placing him as one of the lowest-paid kickers in the league, a figure the market could push higher if he hits free agency.
At the moment, the market for kickers is led by Harrison Butker at roughly $6.4 million AAV, and Aubrey is widely expected to seek a raise. The Cowboys will weigh their budget and cap implications to determine whether they can or will match a higher offer while retaining their top kicker.
Dallas’ defensive struggles were the most critical issue of the season. The Cowboys ranked 30th in total defense, 32nd in scoring defense, 23rd in run defense, 32nd in pass defense, and 32nd in EPA per play allowed, underscoring why upgrading the defense is the top offseason priority.
Moving forward, Dallas must prioritize improving the defense with depth and talent while evaluating how to retain its core free agents. Re-signing Pickens and Aubrey will be central to the team’s plans, but broader roster upgrades on that side of the ball will be essential for a more competitive run at the playoffs next season.
