The Cowboys- along with the 31 other teams across the NFL- are in serious bookkeeping mode these days. Tagging players, restructuring deals to get under the salary cap, making roster cuts, and finalizing trades have kept executives busy as organizations firm up what they can before free agency hits and hardcore draft prep kicks into high gear.But there are still loose ends, including a big one for the Cowboys.Kicker Brandon Aubrey continues to await a contract extension, and while the Cowboys are expected to place a second-round tender on him, it hasn't officially happened yet."Don't really have much going at the moment," Aubrey said Wednesday of talks between the two sides. "Just sitting around waiting."And in the meantime, the soon-to-be-31-year-old has made it clear he's hoping for more.Aubrey was on hand in The Colony on Wednesday to help with the grand opening of TOCA Social, a 20,000-square-foot soccer destination where patrons can immerse themselves by watching and playing the game in a high-tech, luxury-club setting.Having himself traded futbol for football several years ago, Aubrey is now set to become a restricted free agent after three straight Pro Bowl seasons in Dallas that have seen him become one of the most consistent and accurate specialists in the NFL.The Cowboys had originally offered a deal that would have made him the league's highest-paid kicker at something over $6.4 million, but it was under what Aubrey and his agent were seeking, reportedly close to $10 million. A second-round tender would temporarily lock Aubrey in at $5.81 million. Other teams could come to Aubrey with an offer sheet for more, but the Cowboys would be given the right to match. If the Cowboys were to decline to match the higher offer, they would receive a second-round draft pick as compensation for Aubrey leaving.Obviously the tender is what the Cowboys have talked about, and its a good problem to have, Aubrey said Wednesday per Joseph Hoyt of the Dallas Morning News. Its a good amount of money. Its a big pay raise from before, but its not the ideal for any player. So well see what happens. Excited to be in this position. Its an opportunity for me so Im thankful for that.Cowboys K Brandon Aubrey is here at the new TOCA Social soccer home in The Colony. Hes also less than a week from free agency (RFA). He believes hes the best kicker in the world worth more than a 2nd round tender. [The tender] is a big pay raise but its not ideal. pic.twitter.com/0kL8abEKrm Joseph Hoyt (@JoeJHoyt) March 4, 2026Most analysts believe that the Cowboys and Aubrey will come to terms, as Aubrey is simply too great a weapon, especially from long-distance. But many observers have noted that $10 million per year- an increase of more than 56% over current top earner Harrison Butker of the Chiefs- might be a bridge too far, no matter how good Aubrey is.For now, the kicker seems to be approaching the very possibility of leaving Dallas with the same matter-of-fact confidence he exhibits when lining up a 65-yard attempt on the field.When you hit that restricted free agency, if youre not testing the market, then youre not doing whats right for you and your family, Aubrey said. So you have to do that, if thats what it comes to.The Cowboys have until March 11 to submit a tender offer. Aubrey would then have until April 18 to sign an offer sheet with a new team.Until then, club and kicker both seem willing to ice each other as the clock ticks.Todd is on X at @ToddBrock24f7. Also, follow Cowboys Wire on Facebook to join in on the conversation with fellow fans!This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys K Brandon Aubrey: 2nd-round tender 'not the ideal'