Dallas Cowboys make small but big move in George Pickens negotiations

TL;DR

The Dallas Cowboys reached out to agent David Mulugheta to discuss George Pickens, signaling a potential shift in their negotiation strategy. This came after Stephen Jones previously stated they would not negotiate with Pickens this offseason.

Key points

Dallas Cowboys reached out to George Pickens' agent
Stephen Jones initially stated no negotiations would occur
The outreach signals a potential change in negotiation strategy

Mentioned in this story

Stephen JonesDavid Mulugheta

Dallas Cowboys

ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 21: George Pickens #3 of the Dallas Cowboys looks on from the field during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers at AT&T Stadium on December 21, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) | Getty Images It never made sense. When Jerry Jones claimed to not know the agent representing Micah Parsons last year, it was obvious to the entire world that he was just trying to get under the agent in question’s skin. Given everything that happened it is hard to say whether that worked or blew up in the Cowboys’ face. David Mulugheta is one of the foremost agents representing NFL clients and that the Cowboys got into a public showdown with him was something that many believed would have ramifications beyond Parsons, even after he was traded to the Green Bay Packers. The most obvious of these consequences, many assumed, would have to do with wide receiver George Pickens given that Mulugheta happens to be among Pickens’ representation.

The Dallas Cowboys extended an ‘olive branch’

It was reported a few hours before the NFL draft began that the Cowboys, Jerry Jones and Stephen Jones specifically, reached out to Mulugheta to discuss Pickens. Ian Rapoport called the interaction professional and cordial. The call in question came one day after Stephen Jones publicly declared during the Cowboys’ pre-draft press conference that the team was not going to be negotiating with Pickens this offseason and that they were set to have him play on the franchise tag that they placed on him earlier this offseason. It was strange for Stephen to declare that. Sometimes that is the way things go, but being so decided about it with months until the tag deadline stood out. Some assumed it was gamesmanship associated with the draft and others assumed it was behavior associated with the fractured nature between the team and representation. Whatever the case may be, it is nice to see that the Cowboys reached out to try to mend fences. Perhaps this means that they are interested in negotiating with Pickens after all.

Q&A

What prompted the Dallas Cowboys to contact George Pickens' agent?

The Cowboys contacted David Mulugheta, George Pickens' agent, to discuss negotiations, indicating a possible change in their approach after initially stating they wouldn't negotiate.

What was Stephen Jones' stance on negotiating with George Pickens before the Cowboys' outreach?

Stephen Jones publicly declared that the Cowboys would not negotiate with George Pickens and intended to have him play on the franchise tag.

How might the Cowboys' outreach to Pickens' agent affect their relationship?

The outreach is seen as an attempt to mend fences and could indicate the Cowboys' renewed interest in negotiating with Pickens, potentially improving their relationship.