Patrick Crayton claims a grudge is stalling WR George Pickens' future in Dallas. The former Cowboys receiver suggests owner Jerry Jones' history with agent David Mulugheta outweighs Pickens' 2025 production.

During his recent appearance on the DLLS Cowboys Podcast, Crayton pointed to the common link between the trade discussions involving Pickens and ex-Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons, being their shared agent, David Mulugheta.

"It's almost like there's no intention to get a long-term deal because they've already said they're not going to negotiate a long-term deal underneath this franchise tag,” Crayton said.

"That's already key right there when they're telling you that. And being that, I'm not going to lie, Mr. Jones probably does have a vendetta against Mulugheta, his agent, he doesn't like him. It is what it is." 

Micah Parsons was traded to the Green Bay Packers after failed trade negotiations. To further break down the supposed 'handshake agreement', Parsons insisted his agent Mulugheta, be present in finalizing the terms, which Jones refused.

This reportedly led to Parsons holding out of training camp and requesting a trade later on, according to Bryan DeArdo of CBS Sports.

Crayton advised Pickens to audition for other teams and move to a different team to get a contract near his market value. He also added that the franchise tag is a way for the team to be ambiguous in retaining the player. 

“So I can't say, hey man, just be happy with the franchise,” Crayton added. “... Because to me, man, the franchise tag is a way of, of saying. Yeah, we want you, but we don't know if we really want you long term." 

But considering the recent dealings with Mulugheta in signing safeties Malik Hooker and P.J. Locke, the ‘personal vendetta’ mentioned by Crayton is long forgotten, along with the Parsons trade, according to Terence Watson of Cowboys Wire.

Recent comments from Jerry Jones suggest the franchise is taking a measured approach in evaluating Pickens’ position beyond the 2026 season.

Dallas Considers Multiple Factors In George Pickens' Decision 

The Cowboys expect Pickens to improve on his 2025 breakout season. The team also expects improved off-field conduct following his stint in Pittsburgh.

Pickens recorded all career highs with 93 receptions for 1,429 receiving yards and nine touchdowns in 2025, earning his first Pro Bowl nod. He signed the $27.3M franchise tag, making him play on the tag for this season with the Cowboys. 

Pickens was fined multiple times during his time with the Steelers for his tardiness. He was also criticized for his ‘lack of effort’ and was penalized for his conduct during games. 

“When we got him, we got him for no other reason than because there was a long-term question," Jones said during the league's May Meeting. "Through next year and this year, he’ll answer all those questions.”  

The Cowboys may hesitate to pay another wide receiver top market value, after paying WR CeeDee Lamb and QB Dak Prescott at their top market value. 

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Rudra Dubey