Jerry Jones backs Cowboys' rookie kicker Brandon Aubrey
Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones gave rookie kicker Brandon Aubrey a vote of confidence on Saturday with just over a week remaining before the NFL’s roster deadline. The Cowboys could still pick up a second, more veteran kicker before the regular season but according to Jones, Aubrey’s lack of experience isn’t a mark against him so far.
“No. Not at all,” Jones said regarding his level of concern about the rookie’s experience. “Because sometimes I’ve seen what happens when you go into one with someone who’s kicked before and I didn’t like that. That doesn’t necessarily ensure you anything.”
“I like what he’s shown us,” Jones added. “I like his story. I like how he got here and how John [Fassel] feels about him. It feels good. He just needs to get some experience. It’d be like dropping a 21-year-old in the valley, bringing him back, drinking a beer.”
During Saturday’s loss versus the Seahawks, Aubrey made two extra points. However, given the opportunity to let the young kicker try for a long field goal, Mike McCarthy declined to go for it.
On kickoffs, the first-year player started the preseason 8-for-8 with touchbacks before breaking the streak on Saturday against Seattle. The Seahawks attempted to return a kick but had the run snuffed out by Juanyeh Thomas.
Despite, Jones’ vote of confidence for Aubrey, the fact remains that he hasn’t had to face a hostile environment and time is ticking ahead of the regular season.
Last season, the Cowboys had a consistent, veteran option in Brett Maher. Maher hit on 90.6% of his field goals and 50 of 53 extra-point attempts. In the postseason, he made two field goals with a long of 43. However, he went 1-for-6 on extra points.
Cowboys sticking with Aubrey
The Cowboys signed Aubrey after he wrapped up a season with the USFL’s Birmingham Stallions. He initially had an MLS career and a collegiate career playing soccer for Notre Dame.
In 2017, Aubrey was a first-round draft pick for Toronto F.C. of the MLS. They released him after one season, and he then signed with the United Soccer League team Bethlehem Steel.
Aubrey made his debut as a football player after going in the USFL’s 2022 Draft to Birmingham. His contract with the Stallions lapsed on July 3. During the season, he went 14 for 15 on field goals and 35-for-35 on point-after attempts.
Two weeks ago, the Cowboys released kicker Tristan Vizcaino in order to give Aubrey more of the reps ahead of the season.
“It’s probably more a product of the time and the reps you have,” Mike Mccarthy said after Vizcaino’s release. “If we do go with a veteran, there’s a level of experience. Our operation is very young right now. Want to make sure we get those guys reps.”