Ever wondered what it takes to be an NFL kicker? And more specifically, how much a Dallas Cowboys kicker brings home? It's a question that often sparks curiosity, given their high-pressure role in professional football. While they might not garner the same headlines as a star quarterback or a dominant pass rusher, their ability to consistently put points on the board is invaluable. Let's dive deep into the fascinating world of NFL kicker salaries, with a special focus on the Dallas Cowboys!
Unpacking the Kicker's Paycheck: A Step-by-Step Guide
Understanding how much an NFL kicker, especially one from a high-profile team like the Dallas Cowboys, earns involves looking at several factors. It's not just a flat number; it's a dynamic figure influenced by performance, experience, team cap space, and market value.
Step 1: Let's Talk About Brandon Aubrey!
So, you're curious about the Dallas Cowboys kicker, right? As of the 2024-2025 season and looking ahead to 2025, the Dallas Cowboys' primary kicker is Brandon Aubrey. He's been quite the story, with a unique journey to the NFL.
His Current Deal: Brandon Aubrey signed a 3-year, $2.695 million contract with the Dallas Cowboys prior to the 2023 season. This breaks down to an average annual salary of approximately $898,333.
Looking Ahead to 2025: In 2025, Aubrey is set to earn $1,030,000 as his base salary, which will also be his salary cap charge and cash payout for that year.
A Bargain Deal? Given his performance, many consider his current contract a bargain deal for the Cowboys. He's been exceptionally consistent, quickly becoming one of the league's top kickers. This makes him a prime candidate for a significant extension in the near future. He has even expressed interest in signing an extension with the Cowboys!
Step 2: Understanding the NFL Kicker Salary Spectrum
While Aubrey's salary gives us a specific figure for the Cowboys, it's important to understand where that fits within the broader NFL landscape. Kicker salaries can vary widely.
League Minimums: For many players, including kickers, the league minimum salary in the NFL is set by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). For the 2023 season, this minimum was around $750,000. For 2024, it was $795,000. So, even the lowest-paid kickers are earning a substantial amount.
The Average Kicker: On average, NFL kickers typically earn between $1 million and $2 million annually. This is a good benchmark for a competent, regular kicker.
Elite Kickers: This is where the big money comes in! Top-performing kickers who consistently deliver under pressure, possess strong legs, and maintain high accuracy can command significantly higher salaries.
As of 2025, players like Harrison Butker (Kansas City Chiefs) are the highest-paid, earning around $6.4 million per year.
Jake Elliott (Philadelphia Eagles) and Justin Tucker (Baltimore Ravens) are tied for second, bringing in approximately $6 million annually. These are the benchmarks for top-tier kicking talent.
Step 3: Factors That Influence Kicker Salaries
It's not just about kicking the ball. Several factors contribute to how much an NFL kicker makes:
Performance and Accuracy: This is arguably the most crucial factor. A kicker with a high field goal percentage, especially from long distances, and a consistent touchback rate on kickoffs, will be highly valued. Missed kicks in crucial moments can quickly diminish a kicker's market value.
Experience and Track Record: Veteran kickers with a proven history of success in the league generally command higher salaries than rookies or unproven players. Teams are willing to pay for reliability.
Clutch Factor: The ability to perform under pressure, particularly in game-winning situations, adds immense value. Kickers who are known for their "clutch" kicks are often handsomely rewarded.
Durability and Health: Kicking might seem less physically demanding than other positions, but injuries can still occur. A healthy, durable kicker who rarely misses games is a significant asset.
Team Need and Cap Space: A team desperately in need of a reliable kicker might be willing to pay more. Similarly, a team with ample salary cap space might offer a more lucrative deal.
Special Teams Prowess (Less Common): While rare, some kickers might also be adept at punting or holding, adding another layer of value, though most teams have dedicated players for those roles.
Step 4: The Contract Structure
NFL contracts are often complex. For kickers, their contracts typically include:
Base Salary: The primary income for the player.
Signing Bonus: A lump sum paid upfront when the contract is signed, often prorated over the life of the contract for salary cap purposes.
Guaranteed Money: This is the portion of the contract that the player is guaranteed to receive, regardless of injury or release. For kickers, guaranteed money can be less significant than for higher-impact positions.
Incentives: Performance-based bonuses (e.g., for reaching a certain field goal percentage, making the Pro Bowl).
Step 5: What This Means for Brandon Aubrey and the Cowboys' Future
Given Brandon Aubrey's outstanding performance since joining the Cowboys, it's highly likely he'll be looking for a new contract that reflects his value. He's currently on a very team-friendly deal.
Expect an Extension: The Cowboys will likely aim to lock him down with a long-term extension before he hits free agency, securing a vital piece of their special teams unit.
Market Reset Potential: If Aubrey continues his elite performance, his next contract could very well "reset the market" for top-tier kickers, pushing his annual salary closer to, or even exceeding, the $6 million mark currently held by the league's highest-paid kickers. This would be a significant pay raise from his current earnings.
FAQs: How to Navigate the World of NFL Kicker Salaries
Here are 10 common questions about NFL kicker salaries, with quick answers:
How to compare kicker salaries across different teams? You can compare kicker salaries by looking at publicly available data from sports contract websites like Spotrac or OverTheCap, which detail contract values, average annual salaries, and guaranteed money.
How to determine if a kicker is overpaid or underpaid? This is subjective but generally determined by comparing their performance (e.g., field goal percentage, clutch kicks) to their salary relative to other kickers in the league. Brandon Aubrey is currently considered underpaid given his elite performance.
How to become an NFL kicker and earn a high salary? Aspiring kickers need exceptional accuracy, leg strength, and consistency. A strong collegiate career, potentially followed by a stint in a developmental league, is often the path. High salaries are reserved for those who prove to be among the very best.
How to understand the impact of the salary cap on kicker pay? The salary cap limits how much a team can spend on its entire roster. While kickers generally have lower cap hits than other positions, their salaries still count against the cap, influencing how much a team can offer.
How to find the highest-paid NFL kicker currently? As of early 2025, Harrison Butker of the Kansas City Chiefs is generally considered the highest-paid NFL kicker, followed closely by Jake Elliott and Justin Tucker.
How to differentiate between base salary, signing bonus, and guaranteed money? Base salary is the annual pay. A signing bonus is a one-time payment upon signing, prorated for cap purposes. Guaranteed money is the total amount the player is assured to receive, regardless of cuts or injuries.
How to know if a kicker's contract includes incentives? Contract details for NFL players are often public record on sports financial websites, which will typically list any performance-based incentives included in a deal.
How to assess a kicker's value beyond just statistics? Beyond field goal percentage, a kicker's value is also assessed by their ability to perform in high-pressure situations, their consistency on kickoffs (touchbacks), and their overall reliability throughout a season.
How to anticipate a kicker's next contract value? Look at their recent performance, age, consistency, and how their current salary compares to top earners at their position. If they're outperforming their current deal, expect a significant raise.
How to follow the latest contract negotiations for NFL kickers? Stay tuned to reputable sports news outlets like ESPN, NFL Network, and team-specific beat reporters, who often break news on contract talks and signings.
