A common concern and criticism throughout the offseason, through the preseason and into the start of the regular season, was Dallas’ handling of the kicker position. After watching its implosion late in 2022, the Cowboys were rather nonchalant in their approach in 2023. Fans saw a position that had the ability to ruin an otherwise brilliant season.
The Cowboys front office saw a situation that didn’t warrant even modest resources. They allowed Brett Maher, their 2022 starter, to leave in free agency and took a wait-and-see approach with project kicker, Tristen Vizcaino. When other teams were scrambling to sign, trade or draft kickers over the offseason, Dallas sat tight.
It wasn’t until July until the Cowboys acted. But instead of signing veteran free agent kickers Mason Crosby or Robbie Gould, Dallas turned to the USFL and signed the Birmingham Stallions standout, Brandon Aubrey.
Aubrey went 14-of-15 in the Stallion’s championship run and came to the NFL as a former professional soccer player. His presence on the roster did little to alleviate outside concern and the kicker conversation remained an ongoing point of contention to fans and media members throughout training camp.
As camp rolled on, Vizcaino kicked himself off the roster and Aubrey won the top spot almost by default. When other teams conducted last moment trades at the roster deadline to shore up kicking weaknesses, Dallas again sat content.
For better or for worse, the Cowboys were starting the season with Aubrey as their kicker.