New NFL Rumors on George Pickens' Cowboys Stance, Contract Scenarios and Dak Prescott Connection

Even though George Pickens skipped the Dallas Cowboys' voluntary workouts earlier this month, there's not currently an expectation that he will attempt to holdout for a long-term deal after signing the franchise tender in April.

Appearing on the Saturday morning edition of SportsCenter, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that Pickens likes being with the Cowboys and there's hope that a multi-year deal will happen "down the road" as he has been working out with Dak Prescott throughout the offseason:

"He signed the franchise tag, $27 million. Hasn't really been a fixture in the building, kind of stayed away a little bit but I'm told he has worked with Dak Prescott this offseason offsite. Loves being a Cowboy, loves a long-term deal more. They weren't able to get one, but they're hopeful down the road they can work it out. But I don't expect a holdout at this point, should be locked in for the Cowboys in 2026."

There was some thought that Pickens would engage in an extended holdout after the Cowboys used the franchise tag on him in March, but instead he signed the one-year tender guaranteeing him $27.3 million in 2026 on April 29.

Per Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Pickens wasn't present at the start of the Cowboys' voluntary offseason workouts on May 12. It is a voluntary portion of the offseason calendar, so he wasn't being fined for his absence.

Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer told reporters in March he wasn't sure if Pickens would attend voluntary workouts.

The next key date on the calendar for the Cowboys is June 1 when they hold their first OTA session. There is no indication at this point that Pickens won't participate.

Dallas is in a difficult spot with Pickens in terms of working out a long-term deal. The team already has Prescott, CeeDee Lamb and tight end Jake Ferguson signed to multiyear contracts.

Adding another lucrative contract for a wide receiver to that mix could complicate the Cowboys' roster-building at other positions, but the dynamic with Prescott, Lamb and Pickens was so good in 2025 that it's hard to break it up.

Pickens, who was acquired from the Pittsburgh Steelers in May 2025 for two draft picks, had the best season of his career with 93 receptions, 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns in 17 games with Dallas.

The Cowboys ranked seventh in the NFL in points scored, but finished 7-9-1 in large part because the defense allowed the most points in the league.

After prioritizing defense in the draft, including taking Caleb Downs and Malachi Lawrence in the first round, the Cowboys only need to get closer to league average in points allowed to become a Super Bowl contender if the offense can repeat its 2025 performance.