The Steelers traded WR George Pickens to the Cowboys last year, and now Jerry Jones wants to re-sign him—directly. As is his wont, the longtime Dallas owner likes to speak directly with players about their contracts. There are very serious questions regarding what rules he might be violating. But it doesn’t stop him from doing it, nor even talking about it openly.
Somewhat infamously, he pulled that just last year with Micah Parsons. In so many words, he felt he had a verbal agreement with the star pass rusher, until Parsons actually talked to his agent and made him realize he was crazy. Jerry Jones ended up trading Parsons—and George Pickens has the same agent. Perhaps it’s got the old boy thinking.
“Make no mistake about it, we have long-term plans for Pickens”, Jones said, via Mike Garafolo. The reporter added further context, quoting the Cowboys owner as saying, “If he worked without an agent, he’s save a lot of money. … With me”.
I asked Jerry Jones if George Pickens has said he wants negotiations to go thru agent David Mulugheta. Jones said he’s talked to agents over the years and has no issue doing that. But… “If he worked without an agent, he’d save a lot of money.” After a pause, he added: “With me.” https://t.co/5IXkkSaoC7
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 31, 2026
The overwhelming majority of NFL players work with professional agents, and for good reason. While they claim a percentage when negotiating a new contract, they generally are better equipped to achieve the optimal terms on a deal. No disrespect to George Pickens, but he is probably not his own best advocate.
The Steelers drafted Pickens in the second round in 2022, and he immediately flashed his talent. For his three seasons here, however, he always seemed to promise more than he delivered. Last season, working in Dallas with, frankly, a better offense and better quarterback play, though, he had a career year.
Jerry Jones’ Cowboys gave up a third-round pick for George Pickens, understanding he had an expiring contract. They already placed the franchise tag on him but intend to sign him to a long-term extension while they can.
Right now, Jones is on the hook for $27,298,000 for Pickens under the franchise tag. And that’s all 2027 cap hit, which a long-term extension could massage down to a lower figure. That number ranks toward the bottom of the top 15 salaries at wide receiver in the NFL right now, however.
And his play last season showed that he merits more than that. The thing is, Jones is already paying CeeDee Lamb $34 million per season, so what can he pay Pickens? The Bengals are paying two top-11 wide receiver salaries, combining for nearly $70 million per season. Would he take a $34 million-per-year deal, even with Lamb?
Not if his agent has anything to say about it, I imagine. Last season, George Pickens caught 93 passes for 1,429 yards and 9 touchdowns, making the Pro Bowl and All-Pro lists. He has a strong argument to make as a top-five receiver, and Pickens’ agent will be making that case directly to Jerry Jones. Much to his chagrin.
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