The Dallas Cowboys started their Organized Team Activities (OTAs) on June 1. And the team’s star wide receiver, George Pickens, did not attend the sessions, causing speculation regarding his holding out. 

“Cowboys insider said he has not seen George Pickens this morning,” Cowboys writer Clarence Hill Jr. reported via his X post. “No surprise. It’s voluntary.” 

But as far as OTAs are concerned, they are voluntary. As Pickens had signed a franchise tag, he would not be compulsorily required to show up to the sessions.

The Cowboys will hold OTAs June 1–2, June 4, June 8–9, and June 11, followed by the mandatory minicamp from June 16–18.

Pickens will be required to attend the mandatory minicamp, and if he skips it, then it would officially imply that he is holding out. However, analysts consider it to be ‘unlikely.’

"While not zero, we would say it's highly unlikely Pickens will hold out," wrote Dallas Cowboys on SI analyst Mike Moraitis on June 1. "After all, if he intended to, it would have made no sense for him to sign the franchise tag and put himself in position to be fined."

The Pro Bowler recorded 93 receptions for 1,429 receiving yards and nine touchdowns in 2025 and was placed on a non-exclusive franchise tag in February. 

Pickens signed the $27.3 million franchise tag post-draft, making him play on the tag for the 2026 season. The Cowboys have time until July 15 to negotiate a long-term deal. 

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Pickens would not hold out during the mandatory camp, as he has signed the tag and also personally loves playing for the Cowboys. 

"He signed the franchise tag, $27 million," Fowler said. "Loves being a Cowboy, loves a long-term deal more. They weren't able to get one, but they're hopeful that down the road, they can work it out. But I don't expect a holdout at this point." 

However, since the Cowboys have spent the recent offseasons surrounded by trade speculations, another analyst shared a take on Pickens' future in Dallas.

Cowboys Could Move On From George Pickens After 2026

Zach Wolchuk of 105.3 The Fan in Dallas, during The Love of the Star podcast, said that Pickens wouldn't be with the Cowboys post the 2026 season.  

“Pickens, I really don’t think, is going to be here past this season,” Wolchuk said. “Now, maybe they get into a situation where George Pickens is so good, and he is such a great fit that, call me crazy here, they look to sign Pickens and trade CeeDee Lamb, which I hate the idea of, but I think that’s what you’re going to look at here."

The Cowboys made defense a major focus this offseason. After acquiring Quinnen Williams and already investing heavily in Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens may have found himself lower on the team's list of financial priorities.

All eyes will be on June 16, when the Cowboys open mandatory minicamp. If Pickens is on the field and taking part in practice, Dallas fans will get a temporary answer.

What do you think about Pickens' future with the Cowboys? Share your thoughts.

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar