The Cowboys have made kicker Brandon Aubrey the highest-paid in the NFL, securing his future with the team. As the draft approaches, the Cowboys' strategy hinges on the demand for offensive linemen impacting their ability to acquire top defensive talent.
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Monday saw the Cowboys put a major piece of business to bed, making kicker Brandon Aubrey the highest-paid leg in the game and ending any speculation that someone else could sneak in and lure him away. Afterward, Aubrey had the perfect answer when asked what's next for him, and his record payday deserves a look back at his incredible NFL journey that began on the couch and with a software engineer job.
Draft Week is here, bringing with it a final round of mock exercises, rumors, and what-if scenarios. Today's headlines go behind the scenes of the Dexter Lawrence trade to explore how it affects the Cowboys, and one insider spills the very plausible perfect storm of picks that could put the Cowboys in line to grab one of this year's premier defenders. Dallas needs great defensive talent in a bad way... but the whole thing actually hinges on whether or not there's an early run on offensive linemen.
There's plenty of intrigue elsewhere, too, as the draft nears. Could the Raiders actually be talked into trading out of the top spot? And how can a presumptive second-round wide receiver be arrested the weekend before the draft and not see his stock drop? The case of Zachariah Branch is a strange one, to be sure. Meanwhile, an A.J. Brown trade seems sure to happen, but not until after the draft, so don't expect any picks to change hands for the Eagles or Patriots.
Around the league, the 49ers' standoff with offensive lineman Trent Williams is over, Patrick Mahomes was back with the to start the offseason workout program... and spark new rumors about his rehab progress, and may be making a comeback with the Giants. Also, quarterback may be hanging up his cleats after a mostly mediocre yet highly-lucrative career, and Rod Martin, the Raiders linebacker who saved his greatest game for the biggest stage of them all, has passed away.
Brandon Aubrey became the highest-paid kicker in the NFL with his new contract.
The Cowboys' ability to draft premier defensive talent depends on whether there is an early run on offensive linemen.
The Dexter Lawrence trade could significantly influence the Cowboys' draft strategy and their pursuit of defensive talent.
The Raiders are considering trading out of the top spot, while A.J. Brown's trade is expected to happen after the draft.
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This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys News: Brandon Aubrey extension; OL will decide Dallas' draft