The Micah Parsons saga dominated headlines throughout the 2025 offseason. The starting point to the tension between team and player in that case was in-person talks between Parsons and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. 
Jones’ relationship with agent David Mulugheta – or lack thereof when it came to negotiating a Parsons extension – became a major talking point through to the trade sending Parsons to Green Bay. Once that blockbuster deal had been worked out, attention quickly turned to the fact Mulugheta also represents wideout George Pickens. The former Steeler has enjoyed a stellar debut season in Dallas, setting him up for a notable payday.
Pickens looms as a strong candidate to receive the franchise tag. Applying the tag would ensure he cannot reach the open market but it would also no doubt pave the way for negotiations on a long-term pact. Mulugheta figures to play a role on that front, but the possibility exists for another round of direct owner-player talks as well. Jones confirmed as much during his latest appearance on 105.3 The Fan.
“I don’t know,” Jones said (via Tommy Yarish of the team’s website) when asked about negotiating with Pickens in person. “We’ll see how it goes. Probably both, but I certainly expect to be speaking with George.”
Of course, it is not unheard of in the NFL for players to discuss extensions directly with a team’s general manager. Jones holds that title as well, and he has a long track record of working out contracts with little or no involvement from a player’s agent in certain instances. The Pickens case will be one to watch closely given not only his earning potential but also the tension which arose during the Parsons negotiations stemming from Jones’ insistence on keeping Mulugheta on the sidelines.
Pickens enters Week 18 ranked third in the NFL with 1,420 receiving yards and tied for fourth with nine touchdowns. A year spent on the tag would see him earn roughly $28MM, and a lengthy pact would likely carry a larger price tag. The nature of negotiations will thus be something to watch, especially if it includes a significant role for Pickens himself.