Dak Prescott gives the most honest George Pickens minicamp take Cowboys have offered yet

The Dallas Cowboys' brass has kept their message about George Pickens careful and measured all spring. Coach Brian Schottenheimer says he loves the guy and expects him at mandatory minicamp. Owner Jerry Jones said there's "zero interest" in trading him. Nobody's rocking the boat publicly.

Recently, Dak Prescott gave the most straightforward take on the situation anyone in Dallas has offered.

Pickens, 25, signed his one-year, $27.3 million franchise tag with the Cowboys for the 2026 season at the end of April, yet has not attended voluntary offseason workouts. While management publicly expresses optimism and dismisses trade rumors, the absence stems from a lack of a long-term contract extension. 

The front office, led by Stephen and Jones, has publicly stated they will not negotiate a long-term contract extension before the July deadline. That contract standoff is the most likely reason Pickens has stayed away, even though the team acts publicly optimistic about the situation.

Prescott has been one of the few to speak bluntly about the reality of the situation, noting the business side of the tag while maintaining that they have still put in separate offseason work together. 

The Franchsie quarterback said he hasn't actually spoken with his receiver, but shared what he expects, saying, "I haven't had any conversations, and to be honest, would love for him to be in. But even if he's in, I doubt it's a full — he's going full go, jumping in the team. 

He added, “I would hope not to be honest, just being protected and being smart. Just hope he gets in just to see some of the new guys, meet some of the new guys. I'm sure he'll be here."

Prescott's relaxed attitude contrasts slightly with the coaching staff, who have treated Pickens' attendance as a major headline. However, simply showing up to avoid a fine doesn't guarantee Pickens will participate in live team drills while his contract standoff continues.

The Cowboys desperately need their star receiver on the field. In 2025, Pickens posted career-highs with 93 receptions, 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns. Prescott understands his value better than anyone, which is why he is stepping back to let the business side play out until training camp.

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