Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones didn’t hold back during an informal half-hour sit-down with a small group of reporters Thursday evening at the Four Seasons Hotel in downtown San Francisco.
Arriving ahead of the NFL Honors festivities and Super Bowl weekend, Jones fielded questions on the team’s pressing offseason priorities following a 2025 season that fell short of Super Bowl expectations.
The conversation, detailed in reports from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and Dallas Morning News, zeroed in on Jones’ repeated pledge to “bust the budget” to maximize quarterback Dak Prescott’s remaining prime years.
When asked what that aggressive approach would actually entail, Jones explained it meant surpassing last year’s creative cap maneuvers.”We did some things last year that helped us — really helped us,” Jones said.
“Busting the budget would have to be going beyond that. Going beyond what ground we made up. That would be that, busting the budget. You would expect me to take the improvement that we have on assets, to have personnel to play. You would expect me to use everything that I gave up to get it.”
Jones Dishes On George Pickens’ Contract Negotiations
A major topic was wide receiver George Pickens, acquired in a 2025 trade and now eyeing free agency after a strong showing in Dallas. Jones expressed clear enthusiasm for a long-term deal, noting ongoing communication and dismissing any concerns about the player’s durability or fit.
“I’m talking to George all the time by virtue of my excitement for him,” Jones said. “He’s better than, as far as what he contributed to our team, showing the potential that he could contribute. I’m looking forward to getting things worked out so George can be a Cowboy a long time.”
He showed no hesitation about using the franchise tag if negotiations drag, stating it wouldn’t concern him “any more at all than any other player.”
Jones Gives High Praise To Cowboys New Defensive Coordinator Christian Parker
Jones also gave his first detailed thoughts on new defensive coordinator Christian Parker, the 34-year-old hire from the Denver Broncos. He highlighted Parker’s standout qualities during the interview process.
Jones praised the young coordinator’s “ability to teach” and “the flexibility of the defensive scheme,” adding that his communication skills were a key factor in the decision.
The chat touched on the Cowboys’ newly announced 2026 international game in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, at iconic Maracanã Stadium—the first NFL contest there. Jones framed it as a fan-growth opportunity tied to the team’s global reach.”I look to where our fans are,” Jones said. “I’m excited about the Cowboys fans that we have in Brazil. I’m excited about the country of Brazil. I have a lot of business in Brazil. I have a lot of respect [for Brazil], and to be able to take our team, take the Cowboys down there and be a part of their sports is a big deal.”
No blockbuster announcements emerged from the low-key bar setting, but Jones’ candid tone reinforced the front office’s intent to pursue bold moves—whether through free agency splurges, trades, or extensions—as free agency approaches in March. With pressure mounting to end the Super Bowl drought, the Cowboys’ 2026 blueprint appears geared toward decisive action.
