Dallas Cowboys to release kicker Tristan Vizcaino amid position battle

According to multiple reports out of Dallas Cowboys training camp in Oxnard, California, the team has opted to release kicker Tristan Vizcaino. Vizcaino joined the team following the 2022 season and was one of just two kickers on the roster for training camp. The Cowboys are essentially still in the trying-out phase for the position.

Vizcaino had been battling things out with Brandon Aubrey for a chance to land the team’s starting role. He went 22-of-35 on kicks so far in camp while Aubrey went 26-of-35. Most notably, he missed four of eight kicks on Saturday.

“We felt that it was an opportunity to give Brandon the majority of the reps but as far as someone else, we’re open to that,” Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy said after the release. “We’re excited about the young guy.”

Earlier in the week, the two kickers got a chance to nail seven kicks each. Both made five of seven. Vizcaino reportedly wide left from 33 yards and again from 45. Aubrey went wide left from 43 and 45, according to Michael Gehlken.

Following Vizcaino’s performance on Saturday, the team apparently saw fit to move on. It’s highly likely they’ll try out another kicker before the season begins.

“It’s never just a one-day deal,” McCarthy said. “If you were keeping score, I can see why you asked the question. It’s probably more a product of the time and the reps you have. 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.”

Cowboys competition between Vizcaino, Aubrey

Since 2019, Vizcaino has bounced around several teams, including the Cincinnati Bengals, Dallas Cowboys, Minnesota Vikings, San Francisco 49ers, Buffalo Bills, Los Angeles Chargers, Arizona Cardinals, and the New England Patriots. Dallas signed him following the 2022 season. He inked a two-year deal for just under $2 million.

Undrafted in the 2018 NFL Draft, Vizcaino went 2-for-2 on field goals and 3-for-3 on his extra points in one appearance with the Arizona Cardinals last season. He started the season with the Patriots before they waived him.

In 2021, the former Washington Husky drilled 6-of-7 field goals, but hit 10-of-15 extra points for the LA Chargers.

During his NFL career thus far, Vizcaino has drilled 11-of-12 field goal attempts, with the longest kick he’s made being a 47-yarder.

The Cowboys were intent on having another kicking competition during training camp.

To that end, 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.