FRISCO – The headline is certainly attention-grabbing. If the statement holds any truth, it could be considered one of the most significant sports stories of the year. “Jerry Jones no longer at the helm of the Dallas Cowboys after George Pickens trade.” That’s a massive headline.

That’s an enormous story. Yet, it’s also hilarious, as Jerry’s top aides find it quite amusing. The Cowboys’ owner and GM, at the age of 82, is finally relinquishing the roles he’s tightly clung to since acquiring “America’s Team” in 1989? Not at all. No need to plan the celebration parade or commence a mourning period. Jerry isn’t stepping down.

Dallas made a significant trade this week with the Pittsburgh Steelers for wide receiver George Pickens, following what many critics consider a successful NFL Draft. The Fort Worth-Star Telegram seems to imply these actions signify a shift in leadership, with COO Stephen Jones “taking on a bigger role this offseason.”

However, it’s clear that Stephen, who has already had de facto GM-level authority here, remains in the same capacity he’s been in for years. The same goes for right-hand man Will McClay, who is so influential that colleague Shan Shariff has suggested he might have a future agreement with the Jones family to become GM when Jerry truly steps down.

But for now? The younger Jones has, for a decade, been the main force behind Dallas’ cautious spending on external free agents, a stark contrast to his father’s previous adventurous approach to building the roster, which makes it even more entertaining to think that within the past two weeks, Stephen has suddenly “left his mark all over the franchise.”

There are always ups and downs here at The Star in terms of decision-making influences, with Jerry, Stephen, Will, and now new head coach Brian Schottenheimer all potentially leading at various times. But that’s nothing new. For fun, we presented this idea of a “monumental shift”… of Jerry retreating into the background… amid his son’s sudden ascent… to a top Dallas staffer.