AFC team signs highest-paid kicker in the NFL amid Brandon Aubrey-Cowboys saga

Mar 11, 2026 - 00:00

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AFC team signs highest-paid kicker in the NFL amid Brandon Aubrey-Cowboys saga

While the Dallas Cowboys continue to put the future of some of their best players at risk, other teams make moves to put together a competitive team for the 2026 NFL season. The Lone Star reportedly wanted to make place kicker Brandon Aubrey the highest-paid player in his position, but the player’s agent and the team couldn’t come to an agreement on the number.

MORE: Dallas Cowboys make decision on kicker Brandon Aubrey

As a result, the Cowboys used the second-round tender on Aubrey, which will pay him nearly $6 million. Not far away from Dallas, another team got to work and paid its kicker big money to keep him for two more seasons.

Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reported on Tuesday that the Houston Texans extended Ka’imi Fairbairn to a two-year, $13 million contract extension. The deal makes Fairbairn the highest-paid kicker in the league.

Texans agree to terms with Kaimi Fairbairn on two-year, $13M extension, making him NFL's highest-paid kicker. (via @RapSheet, @MikeGarafolo) pic.twitter.com/S125bL6REC— NFL (@NFL) March 10, 2026

Meanwhile, the Cowboys risk losing Aubrey if another team makes an offer they can’t match. Aubrey reportedly wanted $10 million per season, which would make him the highest-paid kicker in league history.

MORE: Cowboys’ Brandon Aubrey update arises before NFL Free Agency

Ka’imi Fairbairn is one of the most reliable kickers in the NFL

Jan 4, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans place kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn (15) reacts with punter Tommy Townsend (6) after a field goal against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Fairbairn has become one of the best kickers in the league. He will play his 10th season with the Texans in 2026. The veteran ranks third in most games played for the franchise (138).

He comes off another strong season, going 44 of 48 from the field in 2025. In total, he has made 255 of 291 field goal attempts, while making 93.4% of his extra point attempts.

The Texans showed that they had almost everything to contend in 2025. They need C.J. Stroud to step up in 2026 to have a better chance at the Super Bowl.