George Pickens' Cowboys OTAs Absence Explained by Brian Schottenheimer amid Contract Rumors

Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer suggested Thursday that wide receiver George Pickens' absence from voluntary OTAs is not related to his contract situation.

Schottenheimer told reporters Thursday that Pickens is doing work related to his football camp this weekend, adding, "He's taking care of his business."

Pickens is set to enter the final year of his contract in 2026 after the Cowboys placed the $27.2 million franchise tag on him.

While that is a scenario that has led to several players holding out in the past, Schottenheimer said Thursday that he expects Pickens to be in attendance for mandatory minicamp and training camp.

Prior to the 2025 season, the Cowboys acquired Pickens in a trade that saw them send a 2026 third-round pick and 2027 fifth-round pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers for Pickens and a 2027 sixth-round pick.

While Pickens was productive over his first three NFL seasons with the Steelers, recording 174 receptions for 2,841 yards and 12 touchdowns, he took his game to the next level last season in Dallas.

The 25-year-old wideout set career highs across the board with 93 catches for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns.

Leading the Cowboys in each of those categories, Pickens was named a Pro Bowler and Second Team All-Pro for the first time in his career.

Pickens' production benefited from the fact that CeeDee Lamb missed three games due to injury, but even when Pickens and Lamb were both in the lineup, Pickens had his fair share of big games with quarterback Dak Prescott throwing him the ball.

By placing the franchise tag on Pickens, the Cowboys ensured at least one more season of Prescott, Lamb and Pickens together, provided a holdout doesn't occur.

The Cowboys went just 7-9-1 and missed the playoffs last season despite ranking second in the NFL in total offense and seventh in scoring offense, largely due to the fact that they ranked 30th in total defense and last in scoring defense.

If the offense maintains the same level of play and the defense can improve to even just a middle-of-the-pack finish, the Cowboys have a chance to be contenders in the NFC in 2026.

Pickens will be a big part of the equation, and as of now, it doesn't appear as though the Cowboys have any concerns about him being on the field for Week 1 of the regular season against the New York Giants on Sept. 13.