Much to Dallas Cowboys fans' chagrin, the George Pickens discourse isn't going anywhere. In fact, it's only gotten louder this week after Drake London and Christian Watson agreed to seismic extensions.
Pickens' absence from OTAs has only exacerbated the conversation. He was never expected to report, but with no contract security beyond 2026, every development involving the star receiver will be placed under a microscope. Fair or not, anything that isn't smooth sailing will make headlines.
Is Pickens inviting more criticism and unnecessary discourse by not reporting? Absolutely, but it's not like he's off the grid.
Brian Schottenheimer affirmed on Thursday that Pickens has remained in communication. As for his absence, Schottenheimer noted that Pickens has a football camp this weekend (h/t Abby Jones of DLLS Sports).
"Communicated with GP yesterday, he's got a football camp this weekend. So, communication has been good, and as you guys know, it's voluntary, and he's taking care of his business … I expect he'll be here, and I think he's in a good spot. But again, I know he's handling his business, and I know he misses his teammates, and we miss him too. You guys know how we feel about him. We love him.”
All the more reason not to fuss over Pickens' absence.
George Pickens' absence from Dallas Cowboys OTAs is not a big deal
In a perfect world, Pickens would have been the first one in the building on Monday when OTAs started. Showing up to voluntary practices would send a strong message to a front office that wants to see more from him before giving him a bag.
That notwithstanding, his absence is the last thing Cowboys fans should lose sleep over.
It would be one thing if Schottenheimer didn't have an explanation for Pickens' absence or if teammates hadn't heard from him. Neither is true. Pickens has spent plenty of time with CeeDee Lamb this offseason and participated in throwing sessions with Dak Prescott and other Cowboys pass-catchers.
We'd be singing a different tune if Pickens hadn't already signed his franchise tag tender. That could have gotten messy in a hurry -- or dragged out deep into the summer -- and even sparked (more) trade speculation. But that hurdle has already been cleared. Pickens is under contract, and that's the most important box Dallas needed to check.
Cowboys contract drama has become an annual rite of passage, so it's understandable why a star player skipping OTAs would raise eyebrows and roll eyes.
But this situation is nothing like Dallas prolonging negotiations with Prescott until the 2024 season opener or making Lamb wait until the '24 preseason for his extension. Those were self-inflicted messes.
One-year deal or not, Pickens is already locked in for 2026. Assuming he reports for mandatory minicamp, his decision to skip voluntary OTAs will be little more than a footnote.
There are other things to worry about with this team right now.
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