The Dallas Cowboys have made a significant addition to their roster by signing kicker Brandon Aubrey from the Birmingham Stallions of the USFL. This move comes after the Cowboys decided not to pursue veteran free agents Robbie Gould and Mason Crosby. Last year’s kicker, Brett Maher, also chose not to re-sign with the team after struggling in the playoffs.
The Cowboys had initially looked at kickers in the NFL draft, but both Jake Moody and Chad Ryland were selected earlier than they were willing to pick a kicker. As a result, they turned to Aubrey, who will now compete with Tristan Vizcaino for the kicking job during training camp.
Aubrey’s journey to the NFL has been anything but ordinary. Despite growing up in Plano, Texas, he excelled in soccer and attended Notre Dame. He was then selected in the first round of the 2017 MLS draft by Toronto FC. However, his path took a different turn when he was chosen by Birmingham in 2022 and quickly made a name for himself as an All-USFL kicker.
In his first year of professional football, Aubrey showcased his talent by making 14 of 15 field goal attempts and converting all 35 extra points for Birmingham. His impressive performance caught the attention of the Cowboys, who are hoping to strike gold once again in the USFL pool. Last year, they signed league MVP KaVontae Turpin, who went on to earn a Pro Bowl selection as a returner.
The addition of Aubrey brings much-needed stability to the Cowboys’ kicking game. Maher’s struggles in the playoffs, particularly his five missed point-after attempts, highlighted the need for a reliable kicker. With Aubrey’s accuracy and consistency, the Cowboys hope to avoid similar issues in crucial moments.
By signing Aubrey, the Cowboys have also demonstrated their willingness to explore alternative avenues for talent acquisition. While many teams focus solely on the NFL and free agency, the Cowboys have shown a willingness to look beyond traditional channels. This approach has paid off in the past with the signing of Turpin, and they hope it will do so again with Aubrey.
As training camp approaches later this month in Oxnard, California, all eyes will be on Aubrey and Vizcaino as they compete for the starting kicker position. The Cowboys’ coaching staff will closely evaluate their performances, looking for consistency, accuracy, and the ability to handle pressure situations.
The signing of Aubrey not only addresses a pressing need for the Cowboys but also adds depth and competition to the roster. The presence of two capable kickers will push both players to perform at their best, ultimately benefiting the team as a whole.
Overall, the addition of Brandon Aubrey to the Dallas Cowboys’ roster brings excitement and anticipation for the upcoming season. With his impressive track record in the USFL and his ability to perform under pressure, Aubrey has the potential to become a key contributor for the team. As training camp gets underway, fans eagerly await the outcome of the kicking competition and hope that Aubrey can bring stability and success to the Cowboys’ special teams unit.