Pickens' agent, a veteran of Cowboys clashes, faces Jerry Jones. Expect massive figures as Dallas aims to secure its star receiver.
The Dallas Cowboys are barreling toward another offseason crossroads, and this one comes with a familiar tension point ... star talent, big money, and Jerry Jones at the center of it all.
Wide receiver George Pickens is entering the offseason at the end of his Steelers' rookie contract after a breakout campaign that firmly placed him among the NFL's elite pass-catchers.
With contract negotiations looming, Pickens made it clear this week that he's ready - mentally and professionally - for what's coming, even if he's not planning to handle it personally.
"Super prepared," Pickens said Thursday, according to The Athletic. "But I definitely leave that type of stuff to my agent… I let them talk about the deals and all that stuff."
That agent, David Mulugheta, is no stranger to high-profile Cowboys negotiations - or to friction with ownership.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones confirmed earlier this week that he plans to speak with both Pickens and Mulugheta about a potential extension, a comment that immediately raised eyebrows around the league.
Mulugheta previously represented Micah Parsons, whose contract talks famously unraveled after Jones attempted to bypass the agent and negotiate directly with the player, ending in Parsons' stunning trade to the Green Bay Packers.
Pickens, however, brushed off comparisons to that situation.
"It’s definitely two different positions," he said. "Micah is Micah, and I'm me."
Dallas acquired Pickens in May via trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the move paid off immediately. Entering Week 18, Pickens leads the Cowboys in receptions (92), receiving yards (1,420), and receiving touchdowns (nine), while also earning his first Pro Bowl selection. He's been the engine of Dallas' passing game during an otherwise uneven season.
With leverage firmly on his side, Pickens is expected to command top-tier money - either through a long-term extension or free agency.
If talks stall, Dallas retains the option to use the franchise tag, which would cost roughly $28 million for the 2026 season. A long-term deal would be even steeper, with projections from CBS Sports placing Pickens' market value near $33 million per year.
The timing couldn't be more delicate. Dallas closes out the regular season Sunday against the New York Giants, but the real battle begins once the clock hits zero. For the Cowboys, it's another test of whether they can keep elite talent in-house without letting negotiations spiral.
For George Pickens, it's simple ... he's done everything he needed to do on the field. Now, he's ready to let the numbers speak.