George Pickens Addresses Contract Holdout Rumors Amid Franchise Tag, Cowboys HC Talks WR's Camp Role

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens was present for mandatory minicamp on Tuesday after missing voluntary workouts earlier this offseason. He'll be playing this year on a franchise tag unless his camp and the Cowboys reach an agreement on a long-term contract extension before July 15.

Pickens spoke with reporters Tuesday about the situation, and he was positive and looking forward to helping his teammates go for a Super Bowl.

Jon Machota of The Athletic relayed the remarks.

Pickens participated in some drills but sat out some team activities, per head coach Brian Schottenheimer.

"Fired up to have him back. He's fired up to be here," Schottenheimer said, per Schuyler Dixon of the Associated Press. "He'll do all the mock. He'll do all the individual. We'll just keep him out of team. Just let him watch. He'll be Coach Pickens today."

In late February, the Cowboys placed the tag on Pickens, who signed the deal in late April and will play 2026 for $27.3 million. There's still about a month left for a long-term deal to get done, but there aren't any reports insinuating one might get done by July 15.

Dallas added Pickens last year for a third-round draft pick from the Pittsburgh Steelers. He enjoyed a breakout season in his fourth NFL campaign, catching 93 passes for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns.

He, wideout CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott formed a dominant offensive trio that helped guide Dallas 27.7 points per game, the seventh-most in the NFL.

That group has some long-term potential, and it would behoove Dallas to keep Pickens around given his great performance and clear chemistry with Prescott.

For now, though, Pickens is in town on a de-facto one-year deal as the Cowboys look to make the playoffs after missing out the past two seasons.