Dak Prescott Talks George Pickens, Cowboys Expectations for 2026 NFL Season in Video

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott expressed confidence that wide receiver George Pickens will be present this offseason despite the team's decision to franchise tag him rather than work out a long-term contract extension.

Pickens was not with the Cowboys this week at the first voluntary team activities taking place since he signed his one-year, $27.3 million tag, per Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

"I've just shown George my support. The guy that I know George is— obviously, he signed the tag, so when he has to be there and ready to play he's going to be there," Prescott said Thursday (h/t The Athletic's Jon Machota).

"He's a hell of a talent. We've thrown this offseason, so I'm comfortable where he's at and excited for when he can get in the building and get rolling."

Pickens' presence at offseason workouts won't be officially required until the start of mandatory minicamp on June 16.

Prescott himself has experience with being tagged by the Cowboys. He became the first quarterback in franchise history to receive a tag in 2020. That was followed by a second tag in 2021 shortly before the Cowboys signed him to a four-year extension.

The Cowboys have indicated a similar contract isn't coming for Pickens this offseason. Executive vice president Stephen Jones told Pickens' agent David Mulugheta there would be no contract talks this offseason ahead of the July 15 deadline for an extension, per ESPN's Todd Archer.

While the Cowboys wait to see if Pickens is ready to play under his one-year deal, Prescott said one of the team's priorities this offseason will be to help their new-look defense gel.

The Cowboys are heading into the 2026 season with a new defensive coordinator in Christian Parker, a new defensive scheme and potentially eight new defensive starters.

Prescott said Thursday he was excited for the return of veteran players like Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark to that unit alongside newcomers like Rashan Gary.

"We've had a lot of changes on the defense, so allow those guys to create their identity, support them and them getting to know each other and creating their culture and who they want to be," Prescott said. "And at the same time, keeping the team culture and making sure we're connecting across the ball."

The Cowboys are set to hold OTAs on June 1-2, June 4, June 8-9 and June 11. The team will expect to have both the newest defensive starters and Pickens participating by the time minicamp takes place from June 16-18.