x
Stephen Jones reveals what Cowboys 'expect' of George Pickens
Dallas Cowboys receiver George Pickens. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Stephen Jones reveals what Cowboys 'expect' of WR George Pickens

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens signed his franchise tag on April 29, but that doesn't mean he'll be present for the offseason program. 

Pickens wants a multiyear deal, but Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones said the team isn't planning to extend him during an April 22 news conference.

The Cowboys hold mandatory OTAs on June 1-2, June 8-9 and June 11. The team then returns for mandatory minicamp, scheduled June 16-18. (The WR will be fined if he misses mandatory minicamp.) Pickens could skip those portions of the offseason to signal he won't play without an extension. Jones, however, doesn't expect the wideout to do that. 

Stephen Jones comments on whether George Pickens will attend offseason program

"Haven't been told that. Certainly, that's what we expect," Jones said of Pickens attending the offseason program during a Tuesday interview with Adam Schein of Mad Dog Sports Radio. "I mean, anytime a player signs a contract and the expectations we hold for all players, is when you sign up, and you're under contract, and you're expected to do what your teammates are doing. And certainly, you know, go back to [quarterback Dak Prescott], I know he's working with Dak and those types of things, but at the end of the day, we'll see how this thing plays out."

The Pickens situation feels similar to the Micah Parsons debacle last summer. Dallas refused to sign him to an extension and traded the defensive end to the Green Bay Packers before the start of the 2025 season.

After unloading one impact player in Parsons, Dallas doesn't want to lose another. Jones reiterated there is "zero interest" in a trade for Pickens. The WR hasn't requested one, either, but the pass-catcher may change his mind. He's eligible for an extension until July 15 at 4 p.m. ET. 

Pickens, though, may not want to go elsewhere after jelling with Prescott, which resulted in a career year for the 2022 second-round pick. The WR ranked eighth in the NFL in receptions (93), third in receiving yards (1,429) and tied for eighth in touchdown catches (nine), earning a second-team All-Pro nod.

Pickens has suggested he would play on the franchise tag if it keeps him in Dallas. At the Pro Bowl in February, he told Tommy Yarrish of the team website he's "willing to do anything" if it's best for both parties.

Pickens will make $27.3M if he plays on the franchise tag this upcoming season. He could make even more in 2027. To generate big numbers in 2026, he should consider attending the entire offseason program. 

Clark Dalton

Clark Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!