FRISCO, Texas — George Pickens wasn’t at The Star on Thursday for organized team activities. The Dallas Cowboys wide receiver hasn’t attended any part of the voluntary portion of the team’s offseason program.
However, he is expected to be in attendance for mandatory minicamp that will run June 16-18.
“I expect he’ll be here,” Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer said. “I think he’s in a good spot. I know he’s handling his business. I know he misses his teammates, (and) we miss him too. You know how we feel about him. We love him. This is just part of the business.”
Pickens, who signed the franchise tag April 29, is seeking a long-term deal. The Cowboys want to see the standout receiver put together another outstanding season before negotiating a new contract.
Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb have recently spoken about the work Pickens has been doing away from the facility, preparing himself to hit the ground running when he returns.
“The guy that I know George is, obviously he signed the (franchise) tag, so when he has to be there and ready to play, he’s going to be there,” Prescott said last month. “He’s a hell of a talent. We’ve thrown this offseason, so I’m comfortable with where he’s at, and I’m excited for when he can get in the building and get rolling.”
The franchise tag will pay Pickens a guaranteed $27.3 million for the 2026 season.
The Cowboys acquired Pickens following last year’s draft by sending a third- and a fifth-round pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers for him and a sixth-round pick. He responded with his most productive season since coming into the league with the Steelers in 2022.
Pickens, 25, was named to his first Pro Bowl and was second-team All-Pro. He led Dallas’ offense, which was one of the NFL’s best, in targets (137), receptions (93), receiving yards (1,429) and touchdown receptions (9).
“I communicated with GP (Wednesday),” Schottenheimer said. “He’s got a (youth) football camp this weekend that he’s doing. Communication has been good, and as you know, it’s voluntary. He’s taking care of his business.
“I have no question George is preparing. … GP will learn some of the language and stuff that we (are doing) with he and Dak throwing and things like that, and the relationship he has with CeeDee and Joe Milton and all those guys. I don’t worry about that.”