The Dallas Cowboys' mandatory minicamp is less than a week away, and wide receiver George Pickens' attendance remains up in the air. But quarterback Dak Prescott insists everything is alright.

“I’m excited about when he gets in and the work that we’re going to have to build off of,” Prescott said, per ESPN's Todd Archer. “But George is George, and he’s fine.”

Prescott revealed that his last throwing session with Pickens was in April, and they haven't had any conversation about Pickens attending the mandatory camp, which is set to start on June 16.

Speculation surrounds the Pro Bowler regarding his possible holdout during mandatory minicamp and training camp, set for late July, as he wasn't present at the OTAs. 

Pickens signed the franchise tag ($27.3M) in April, and the Cowboys have made it clear that they wish to let him play on the tag rather than discuss a long-term deal before the July 15 deadline.

“We’ve made a decision that we’re going to have George play under the franchise tag, which won’t be a first for us,” executive vice president Stephen Jones said. “So there won’t be negotiations on a long-term deal.”

His 2025 production was the best of his four-year career. He recorded 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns across 17 games, earning his first Pro Bowl nod.

Head Coach Brian Schottenheimer had also dismissed any concerns about Pickens missing OTAs, emphasizing that the workouts are voluntary.

However, he added that he expects Pickens to be present for the mandatory minicamp. 

“I expect he’ll be here,” Schottenheimer said during the OTA media session on June 4, per the DallasCowboys YT channel. “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.” 

Though the Cowboys are confident that Pickens will attend the mandatory camp, there is still some uncertainty within the organization regarding his offseason availability.

Minicamp Absence Will Cost George Pickens

According to Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News, the franchise expects Pickens to be present at the mandatory minicamp, but there is still no firm confirmation on his participation.

"I believe the Cowboys still don't know if George Pickens will show up for mandatory minicamp next week," Calvin Watkins wrote on his June 9th X post.

In case Pickens fails to appear for the mandatory camp, he will be fined for holding out.

The CBA-prescribed fine schedule for this year, for missing the mandatory sessions, would be $17,986 for missing the first day, $35,973 for the second day, and $53,952 for missing the third day.

The fine for missing all three days of the minicamp adds up to $107,911, according to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated.

As Pickens's appearance for the offseason activities remains uncertain, any further absence would come with financial penalties and only add to the questions surrounding his future status with the Cowboys.

What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments.

You can read more at the Dallas Cowboys Community!

Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore