Locked On Cowboys: Cowboys Squad Show – Latest on K Brandon Aubrey & the NFL Combine

Date: February 27, 2026
Hosts: Landon McCool, Marcus Mosher, Aisha Morrison, Glenn “Stretch” Smith
Podcast Network: Locked On Podcast Network

Episode Overview

This episode of the Cowboys Squad Show digs into two major topics: the brewing contract standoff between the Dallas Cowboys and star kicker Brandon Aubrey, and the early developments and rumors emerging from the 2026 NFL Combine in Indianapolis. The hosts break down the latest reports, react to speculation about contract negotiations getting heated with agents, and discuss how the Cowboys are approaching free agency, draft needs (especially at defense), and the franchise’s salary cap situation.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Kicker Contract Drama: Brandon Aubrey’s Negotiations

Timestamps: 04:33–13:30

• Rumors of Tension at the Combine:

  • A report from Sporting News claims there were shouting matches between Cowboys front office and various agents (including Aubrey’s) in Indianapolis.
    • Quote (Jeff, 04:33): “According to multiple reports, Cowboys brass was overheard in shouting matches with agents … even agents for their own players, but also agents for potential free agent signings. That included Brandon Aubrey…”

• Numbers Being Thrown Around:

  • Cowboys reportedly offered $7 million a year to Aubrey, which would make him the highest-paid kicker. Aubrey’s agent countered with $10 million.
    • Quote (Jeff, 05:00): "According to reports, the Cowboys offered to make Brandon Aubrey the highest paid kicker in the NFL, somewhere in the 7 range. His agent countered with closer to 10."
    • Landon (06:08): “That’s that a kicker asked for $10 million a year to be a kicker. Like, I love Brandon Aubrey, but, man, what are we doing here, y’all?”

• Agent Antics and Social Media:

  • Aubrey and his wife have been active on social posting cryptically.
  • Landon clarifies that the $10M demand seems confirmed as the agent never disputed that number in follow-up with reporters.

• Second-Round Tender Possibility:

  • The Cowboys can apply a second-round tender to Aubrey, limiting his leverage since no other team is likely to give up a second-rounder for a kicker.
    • Landon (09:28): “They could easily just put this … second round tag on him. … You could simply just slap a tag on them. The conversation’s over. And now Aubrey’s got to go through another year … I probably would have gone with a multi-year deal … he may have overplayed his hand.”

• Agent Influence:

  • Debate on whether this is from Aubrey or the agent, Todd France, but consensus is that in the end, the pressure is back on Aubrey.

2. Cowboys Salary Cap & Free Agency Moves

Timestamps: 13:30–17:13

• Cowboys Currently $55M Over the Cap:

  • Not unusual; Cowboys have several "trigger pulls" (restructures, cuts) to get compliant.
  • Landon (14:06): “The number to remember is $133 million. $133 million is the amount of money that the Cowboys can create with … simple structures.”

• Salary Cap’s Size in 2026:

  • Cap now set at $301–$305 million.
  • Landon (14:54): “Last year was $265 [million]. I think it was $22 million dollar increase for the third consecutive year…”

3. Roster Decisions: TJ Bass, Trades, and Asset Management

Timestamps: 15:45–22:45

• TJ Bass: Second-Round Tender Likely:

  • Cowboys value the undrafted guard’s development and reliability.
  • Aisha (15:50): “He’s just been reliable. … I feel like them putting this tender on him shows that they value him and that they know they need to have that depth there.”

• Trade Possibilities:

  • Speculation around packaging depth (like Bass or Hoffman) for defensive help or picks.
  • Coach Stretch (18:12): “…at some point, you got to address the elephant in the room. They couldn’t stop Bemidji State. … At some point, they got to start spending some assets on the other side of the football.”

• Offensive vs Defensive Priorities:

  • Consensus that the Cowboys can afford to trade from offensive line depth in order to reload the defense.

4. Free Agency: Defensive Focus and Linebacker Needs

Timestamps: 26:45–37:28

• Possible Free Agency Targets:

  • Nakobe Dean (Eagles) mentioned as target—due to familiarity with new DC Christian Parker’s system.
  • Minka Fitzpatrick’s name floated, but would require a trade.

• Draft/FA Philosophy:

  • Value of signing a veteran linebacker stressed (e.g., Demario Davis), rather than relying on young/inexperienced Mics.
  • Aisha (32:08): “They need somebody to lean on and learn from. They can’t keep relying on each other. They don’t know nothing about nothing.”

• Spending Efficiency:

  • Landon and Coach debate between prioritizing linebacker (Devin Lloyd is mentioned as a potential fit for ~$20M/yr) or high-cost edge rushers (like Hendrickson).

• Defensive Line Interviews at Combine:

  • Cowboys interviewing many DT prospects; could signal increased need based on scheme change, or simply due diligence.
  • Coach Stretch (37:56): “So what my point is you could need as many as where you’ve been playing with say four inside guys. Rotationally, you might, that number may become six, right?”

5. Scheme Changes & Player Fit

Timestamps: 37:43–48:49

• Front Seven Adjustments:

  • Extensive interviews with DT prospects may signal shift to more defensive tackle rotations under new scheme.
  • Toye Oye and other DTs may face roster jeopardy due to scheme misfit.

• Marist Liufau Role Change:

  • Marist Liufau, drafted as a MIKE linebacker, is now moving to the edge.
  • Aisha (30:59): “We got the report today from Brian Schottenheimer that Marist Liufau … is moving out to outside linebacker.”
  • Hosts express skepticism this is a true promotion; might be an attempt to salvage a roster spot.

• Coaching Instability’s Impact on LBs:

  • Frequent DC changes and unclear communication have stunted young LB growth.

6. Draft & Combine Trends

Timestamps: 51:19–52:59

• Defensive Tackle Emphasis:

  • Cowboys take a thorough look at versatile DTs who could fill multiple roles in new setup.
  • Warning against overanalyzing combine visit lists—may reflect logistics and draft flexibility.

• Wide Receiver Not a Top Priority:

  • It’s likely Cowboys will look for WR depth via free agency or later-round/Dallas Day visits.
  • Landon (52:49): “I wouldn’t be shocked if they brought in like a free agent like wide receiver, special teams wide receiver, 5 guy … on a very vet minimum cheap deal.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Aubrey’s $10M Request:

  • Landon (06:08): “I love Brandon Aubrey, but, man, what are we doing here, y’all?”
  • Coach Stretch (11:33): “The agent works for you … when you’re letting someone else speak for you, I think that becomes a slippery slope.”

• On Cowboys Salary Cap “Problems”:

  • Landon (14:06): “It’s like credit, like a credit score …”

• Asset Re-Allocation:

  • Coach Stretch (18:12): “At some point, you got to start spending some assets on the other side of the football. … It doesn’t matter how many points you score on offense.”

• Linebacker Need:

  • Aisha (32:08): “They need somebody to lean on and learn from. They can’t keep relying on each other. … It’s too pivotal a spot on your defense … you need a Mic.”

• Scheme Fit Doubts:

  • Landon (45:00): “This is a case where they have a contract with Liufau and it’s a good contract. … They’re trying to find a way to keep him on the roster and see if he can help them out in this area.”

• Will McClay & Defensive Revamp:

  • Landon (56:55): “If you don’t … evolve, if you’re not honing that and trying to get better, then you’re getting worse.”

• Will McClay on Football IQ:

  • Aisha (59:08): “It sounds like they are valuing intellect and processing … because this defense seems like it is going to be. It’s going to have wrinkles.”

Additional Key Segments & Timestamps

• [13:55] — Cowboys’ cap status and restructure options
• [15:45–16:41] — TJ Bass’s value, possible trade, and backup depth
• [18:12–22:45] — Defensive resource reallocation, trade philosophy
• [26:45–29:49] — Combine targets, the Minka Fitzpatrick rumor, LB/CB draft strat
• [30:59–34:57] — Free agency LB debate: Nakobe Dean, Devin Lloyd, scheme fit
• [37:43–41:56] — Defensive tackle interviews, scheme changes, and marginalized DTs (Toye Oye, etc.)
• [51:19–52:59] — Combine visit strategy and WR approach
• [56:00–[59:08] — Will McClay’s comments, learning from new staff, focus on smart/versatile defenders

Final Thoughts & Episode Takeaways

• Brandon Aubrey’s contract negotiations have reached near-comical levels, with bidders far apart. Cowboys have leverage with an RFA tender.
• Defensive upgrades and rebalancing the cap are at the core of this offseason; linebacker and interior defensive line are prime focuses.
• Roster depth, especially at guard, gives Cowboys trade chips to address glaring defensive issues.
• Coaching and front-office synergy matters more than ever with scheme changes; both Will McClay and new DC Christian Parker emphasize adaptability and football IQ.
• The early combine buzz confirms the Cowboys are casting a wide net defensively, but fans should be cautious not to overreact to every meeting or rumor.

Stay tuned for more breakdowns as free agency and the draft approach.