Cowboys admit bad news about crucial contract negotiations

The Dallas Cowboys kicked off the offseason on a high note by keeping RB Javonte Williams in town for the next three years.

They can now shift their focus to George Pickens, who will get the franchise tag in an attempt to negotiate a long-term deal. However, Pickens isn't the only Cowboys star looking for — and deserving of — a lucrative new contract.

Star kicker Brandon Aubrey is also a name to keep an eye on in Arlington, and Cowboys co-owner Stephen Jones just admitted that both sides aren't close to a deal.

Cowboys need to find common ground with Brandon Aubrey

“We just finished up Javonte,” Jones said, via The Athletic's Jon Machota. “We’ve been in talks with Aubrey (since) before the season started. That’s been a journey. We haven’t been able to get to a point where we can all agree so it hasn’t gotten done, but we’d love to get him done.”

Aubrey will be a restricted free agent if he can't strike a new deal. As such, the Cowboys would have a chance to match any offer he gets.

He should be in high demand in free agency after establishing himself as one of the best kickers in the game. Aubrey set a record with six makes from 60+ yards and became the first player in league history with three field goals of 55+ yards in the same game. He's made over 88 percent of his attempts since he arrived in Dallas, including 35 of 44 attempts from at least 50 yards. 

If the Cowboys can't sign him to an extension, they will have to tender him a restricted free agent contract. That would give them an opportunity to get some compensation if they choose not to match an offer sheet if he ends up leaving in free agency.