The Dallas Cowboys have made two things clear regarding George Pickens: they will not negotiate an extension this offseason, and they have zero desire to trade him.
One could argue Dallas should pay Pickens now before his price potentially skyrockets in 2027, but it’s hardly unreasonable for the team to want another year of elite production and consistent focus behind the scenes before making that kind of commitment.
The good news? Pickens has already signed his franchise tag tender. The bad news? He’s given no indication he’ll report before practices become mandatory.
Sure enough, Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported that Pickens was not present for the Cowboys' voluntary team workout on Tuesday, the first workout since Pickens signed the one-year, $27.3 million tag.
This was always the most likely outcome. While not alarming, it's certainly not ideal, as Pickens could have quieted a lot of the noise by showing up.
George Pickens reportedly wasn't present for the Dallas Cowboys' voluntary team workout
It's unclear how many players attended, but Harris added that these workouts typically have high attendance rates. He also confirmed that CeeDee Lamb was there.
Panic won't settle in until (if) Pickens skips mandatory workouts. Organized team activities (OTAs), which are voluntary, run from June 1-2, June 4, June 8-9, and June 11. It certainly won't be a great optic if Pickens skips those practices, but mandatory minicamp, which runs from June 16-18, is what Cowboys fans should bookmark with regard to the All-Pro's attendance.
Since Pickens is now under contract, he’ll be subject to fines if he misses any mandatory team activities. While his absence from voluntary workouts raises eyebrows, signing the tag puts him on track for minicamp, training camp, and the 2026 season.
All of that said, it's in Pickens' best interest to show up for OTAs. Sure, he wanted a long-term deal, but he's also set to make $27.3 million fully guaranteed. It's not like Dallas wants him to play out his fifth-year option. Only 14 wide receivers will make more than him next season.
There’s a reason no team sent Pickens an offer sheet after the Cowboys placed the non-exclusive tag on him. While nobody questions his talent, his time in Pittsburgh hurt his perception around the league. Skipping team workouts, voluntary or otherwise, may only reinforce those concerns, even if it’s minor in the grand scheme.
Harris' report is not the end of the world, but it's notable nonetheless.
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