The absence of Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens from the team’s OTAs quickly drew attention amid his contract situation. But head coach Brian Schottenheimer does not appear concerned about his absence, as such OTA sessions are voluntary. 

Schottenheimer made sure to clear the speculation about his absence, revealing that he had spoken with the wideout the previous day and shared his plans of attending a football camp this weekend.

"He’s taking care of his business," Schottenheimer said, per X post of Jon Machota.

The head coach also said that he expects Pickens to attend the mandatory minicamp, which is set to start on June 16-18, and training camp, which is scheduled for late July. 

"I expect he'll be here," Schottenheimer said during the OTA media session on June 4. "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 guys know how we feel about him. We love him. This is just part of the business." 

If Pickens does not appear for the mandatory camp, it officially implies that he is holding out, and he will have to pay a fine for not appearing in the camp.

Pickens signed his franchise tag after the 2026 NFL draft, making him play for the Cowboys for the 2026 season. He is coming off his best campaign with the Cowboys, recording all career highs with 93 receptions, 1,429 yards, and nine touchdowns in 2025

Though the franchise has time until July 15 to negotiate a long-term deal, the team's executives have been clear with their intentions of not trading Pickens and also not offering him a long-term deal.

His absence from the OTAs has led to questions regarding his availability during other camps in the offseason.

While Schottenheimer expects to train the wide receiver soon, one NFL analyst suggested that the possibility of Pickens holding out shouldn't be ruled out until he appears for the camp.

NFL Insider Flags George Pickens Situation as One to Watch

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler believes that the Pickens contract saga will keep raising speculation and concerns during the offseason.

“Pickens signed his $27.3 million franchise tag, which the Cowboys are happy about,” Fowler wrote. “But he wants a long-term deal that Dallas won’t give right now. Whether Pickens develops a reason to sit out during the offseason or regular season could be something to watch.”

Fowler previously wrote that it's 'unlikely' that Pickens would hold out, as he loves playing with the Cowboys, before his absence from the OTAs.

But as Pickens did not attend the voluntary sessions, analysts doubt if the offseason for the Cowboys would be a peaceful one. His contract situation will also remain in the spotlight until a long-term deal is made for the Pro Bowler.

What are your thoughts on George Pickens' situation?

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi