DeJa Vu? Jerry Jones’ Pickens comments spark fears of another Cowboys contract saga
Cowboys fans are still licking the wounds left from the Micah Parsons trade, but they may be looking at repeat drama with George Pickens in 2026.
I think I’ve seen this film before...and I didn’t like the ending.
Jerry Jones has his own way of doing business, and that approach has built an empire. But it has also fueled some of the most uncomfortable contract standoffs in modern Cowboys history.
And after Jones’ latest comments about their new star wide receiver George Pickens and his representation, it looks like the Cowboys could be on that all too familiar path yet again.
Jerry sends early warning signs about George Pickens’ future in Dallas
During his weekly appearance on 105.3 The Fan, Jones was asked whether upcoming contract talks with Pickens would go through his agent, David Mulugheta, or directly with the player. His answer is concerning.
“I don’t know,” Jones said. “We’ll see how it goes. Probably both, but I certainly intend to be speaking with George.”
Does #DallasCowboys owner Jerry Jones anticipate negotiating directly with George Pickens or his agent, David Mulugheta?
— 105.3 The FAN (@1053thefan) December 30, 2025
"I dk. We'll see how it goes. Probably both, but I certainly expect to be speaking with George."
Listen to @1053SS & @BobbyBeltTX's interview with Jones.⤵️ pic.twitter.com/PZpfzUbC9U
Mulugheta isn’t just any agent. He also represents Micah Parsons, whose relationship with Jones deteriorated into one of the most contentious situations of the past decade. Jones’ decision to bypass Parsons’ agent and negotiate directly with the player led to public fallout, trade demands, and eventually Parsons being dealt away (to the Packers).
The history makes Mulugheta’s involvement with Pickens impossible to ignore. Jones has insisted repeatedly that he’s within his rights to negotiate directly with players, but the fallout from the Parsons saga suggests that approach can come at a steep cost, and especially with elite talent.
Pickens just completed the best season of his career in his first year with Dallas, posting 92 receptions, 1,420 yards, and nine touchdowns through 16 games. He immediately transformed the Cowboys’ offense alongside CeeDee Lamb, helping Dallas finish among the league’s most dangerous passing attacks. Despite missing the playoffs, Pickens earned his first Pro Bowl selection and established himself as a true No. 1-caliber receiver.
At just 24 years old, Pickens is positioned to command a massive payday, one that could reset expectations for Dallas’ offense moving forward.
Jones’ comments suggest he hasn’t abandoned the negotiating style that burned bridges in the past. While he’s made it clear he wants to keep Pickens in Dallas, the process may once again become the story. Jones has praised Pickens publicly, calling his season “beyond anything we could have hoped for,” but admiration doesn’t always translate into smooth negotiations in Dallas.
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