The Dallas Cowboys have been linked to plenty of players in rumors ahead of the NFL trade deadline on November 4, 2025. Yet, the Cowboys’ early season struggles could also have Dallas considering parting way with some key veteran players.

ESPN’s Bill Barnwell floated a controversial trade pitch that is sure to anger plenty of Cowboys fans. In terms of production, it is hard to argue that kicker Brandon Aubrey is at the top of the list.

Aubrey has emerged as the best kicker in the NFL, but the challenge is the specialist is headed to NFL free agency in 2026. The good news is Aubrey is a restricted free agent which allows Dallas to match any offer.

Aubrey is due for a sizable raise from his current three-year, $2.6 million contract. Spotrac projects Aubrey’s market value to be a four-year, $23.7 million contract.

All this has Barnwell suggesting that the Cowboys should at least consider a trade for Aubrey.

Cowboys Trade Rumors: Proposal Has Dallas Deal Kicker Brandon Aubrey to Rams

The analyst admitted that he would be “stunned” if Dallas actually traded Aubrey. The trade pitch has Dallas sending Aubrey to the Los Angeles Rams for a future second-round draft pick.

“I would be stunned if the Cowboys traded Aubrey, but I’m throwing him out here more as a thought experiment than anything else,” Barnwell wrote in an October 30, story titled, “2025 NFL trade deadline: Which teams should add, subtract?” “A going-nowhere Cowboys team doesn’t have much use for Aubrey, and although kickers can play into their 40s, the former soccer player is already 30 years old. He’s obviously a valuable player, but Aubrey is eligible for an extension next offseason, and the Cowboys need to save money around Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb to address their defense.

“Most teams aren’t going to trade a premium pick for a kicker, but Aubrey is so good that I wonder whether all-in teams might be willing to make an exception. Would someone like the Rams be willing to offer the Cowboys a second-round pick for Aubrey? My guess is no, but it’s fun to think about.”

Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones on Brandon Aubrey’s Free Agency: ‘He’s Certainly in the Future’

After Aubrey’s game-winning field goal against the New York Giants back in September, owner Jerry Jones admitted that the kicker was due for a contract extension. Aubrey’s future has flown under the radar with wide receiver George Pickens also headed to free agency.

“He certainly is coming,” Jones said of Aubrey’s future during a September interview, per Yahoo Sports. “We’ll be looking at that. Probably have had communications since the kick. But he’s certainly in the future.”

Cowboys Rumors: Dallas Linked to Trade Talks With the Dolphins

Aubrey has become a fan favorite given his kicking range and consistency. Something that would likely please Cowboys fans is if the team becomes buyers at the deadline. Cowboys insider Mike Fisher reported that the front office has inquired about a potential trade with the Miami Dolphins, potentially for one of the team’s pass rushers.

“The Cowboys keep getting linked to Miami Dolphins edge rusher Jaelan Phillips, and for good reason,” Fisher wrote in a November 2, story titled, “Sources: Cowboys Call Bengals, ‘Examine’ Dolphins Trio, Maxx Still Alive? Fish Trade Deadline Notebook.”

“A source tells me that Dallas is ‘examining’ not only Phillips, but also Miami pass-rush teammates Matthew Judon and Bradley Chubb.”