The Dallas Cowboys have a history of getting into contract disputes with their star players. The Micah Parsons saga was the only one that ended in disaster as the Cowboys moved on last offseason. It’s happened with Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, too, and now George Pickens wants his long-term reward for his outstanding 2025. He hasn’t got that, and head coach Brian Schottenheimer spoke about the star wideout’s absence at OTAs.
Brian Schottenheimer Speaks on George Pickens’ Contract After He Skipped OTAs
Pickens is seeking a big payday after the best season of his NFL career. The former Steelers second-round pick made huge strides in his first season in Dallas, making the Pro Bowl for the first time and tallying a career-high 1,429 receiving yards.
The Cowboys slapped the franchise tag on Pickens, keeping him in Dallas for the upcoming season, but the receiver is still searching for the big bucks to make Dallas his home for the foreseeable future. He did sign the franchise tag, which puts the Cowboys on the hook for $27.3 million in 2026.
Pickens didn’t show up to OTAs, which are voluntary, and Schottenheimer addressed the media on the ongoing contract situation with Pickens. He didn’t show any signs of being worried about Pickens.
“I communicated with [Pickens] yesterday, he’s got a football camp this weekend that he’s doing,” Schottenheimer said. “Communication has been good, and as you guys know, it’s voluntary. He’s taking care of his business.”
Whether Pickens shows up for training camp amid his looming contract demands is a story to monitor, but Schottenheimer doesn’t seem concerned. He expects Pickens to be there for his team.
“We haven’t discussed that, but I expect he’ll be here [training camp],” Schottenheimer added. “I think he’s in a good spot, but again, I know he’s handling his business, and I know he misses his teammates. We miss him, too. You guys know how we feel about him. We love him, and you know this is just part of the business.”
Pickens will get paid at some point. Whether the Cowboys decide to pony up the money or another team gives him a large paycheck next season remains to be seen. The Dallas offense could become extremely dangerous if they keep Pickens long-term. He and Lamb form one of the best receiver duos in the NFL, likely only rivaled by Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins in Cincinnati, and will be a nightmare for defenses to handle again in 2026.
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Pickens ranked as the third-best receiver in PFSN’s WR Impact Metric last season, which was the best finish of his NFL career. He had never finished in the top-15, but one season with Prescott in Dallas changed it all for the 25-year-old wide receiver.
He deserves a big payday, and Christian Watson’s recent extension will help his demands. But until Pickens gets his contract, there will be plenty of eyes on his behavior entering training camp and whether he shows up.
