The Cowboys Just Handed One Viking Very Good News

DAL Locks Aubrey In for the Long Haul

There’s no mystery about Aubrey’s long-term status. ESPN’s Todd Archer wrote Monday, “The Dallas Cowboys have made Brandon Aubrey the highest-paid kicker in NFL history. Aubrey agreed to a four-year extension that makes him the first kicker to earn $7 million per year and includes $20 million guaranteed, agents Todd France and A.J. Stevens of Athletes First told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.”

“A source said Aubrey’s signing bonus is $8.25 million. Earlier this offseason, the Houston Texans made Ka’imi Fairbairn the highest-paid kicker on average annual salary at $6.5 million. Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker had the largest guarantee at $17.75 million.”

Every offseason brings a new version of “x player is the highest-paid player at x position in NFL history.” Aubrey is merely the latest.

Reichard in 2027

Reichard’s 2025 season was phenomenal, converting 33 of 35 field goal attempts. This consistency sharply contrasted with years of kicking instability the Vikings had experienced, a trend Reichard completely reversed in a single season.

He has also been automatic on extra points, an aspect of the game that previously caused the team considerable trouble but is now completely secure. As a result, the Vikings have not missed a single extra point and rank among the league leaders in field goal percentage.

Equally impressive is his range. Reichard has successfully converted 11 kicks from 50 yards or more, placing him among the league’s elite long-distance kickers. This impressive range is a game-changer for Minnesota’s offense, needing only to get to the 42-yard line to have a chance.

In sum, Reichard has provided the Vikings with a truly exceptional kicker. He delivers reliability, impressive range, and consistent, drama-free performance — all achieved in two seasons.

Comparing the Two

Aubrey actually missed some kicks in 2025, believe it or not. He connected on 36 of 42 last season, which is actually mediocre by his standards. From 50 and beyond, Aubrey missed 6 times on 17 tries, another head-scratching development for the best in the business.

Minnesota Vikings place kicker Will Reichard (16) lines up a field goal attempt during the third quarter against the New England Patriots at U.S. Bank Stadium, on Aug 16, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, focusing on his approach as he continued to build consistency during preseason action. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

Conveniently, no Cowboys-themed analysts mentioned the 2025 stat line when he reached his monster contract this week. It was all sunshine and rainbows.

But in the backdrop, Reichard earned All-Pro recognition in 2025. Aubrey did not. By the numbers, Reichard took the mantle as the NFL’s best kicker, if only for a year. It’s a long way of saying that Aubrey and Reichard will have quite the battle in 2026, albeit from afar.

CBS Sports‘ Zachary Pereles on Aubrey’s new deal: “What truly sets him apart, though, is his distance. His six career field goals from 60+ yards are most in NFL history. In 2025 alone he made three such kicks, most in a single season in league history. In February, reports emerged that Aubrey sought nearly $10 million per season.”

“Instead, the Cowboys placed a second-round tender on Aubrey, which would have paid him roughly $5.8 million in 2026. Though his new deal doesn’t come close to the $10 million figure annually, Aubrey does become the game’s richest at the position and get major guarantees; Dallas, meanwhile, retains one of the league’s very best and a true offensive weapon.”

Vikings Fans’ Prayers Answered

Have you ever seen the Meek Mill meme, featuring Michael Jordan holding the NBA Championship trophy? The caption says, “I used to pray for times like this.” That’s Vikings fans‘ relationship with Reichard.

Dating back 28 years, purple fans have been ruined by various kickers, basically relentlessly, with the exception of Ryan Longwell from 2006 to 2011. In these three decades, there’s always something wrong with the kicker, whether he blows it in a game’s most crucial spot, can’t make extra points, or generally stinks.

Minnesota Vikings kicker Will Reichard (16) takes the field during an NFC wild card game against the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium, on Jan 13, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona, appearing in postseason action as Minnesota relied on his leg in a high-stakes playoff environment. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Reichard, through two seasons, has changed that. He’s steady as hell and has given Vikings fans no reason to panic. Not yet, anyway.

So when extension talks emerge next offseason, the same crowd will have no problem handing Reichard $9 million per year or whatever the number may be.

And he’s young. Reichard turned 25 in January. He could conceivably kick for the Vikings until 2040.