Cowboys' Brian Schottenheimer gives new George Pickens mandatory minicamp update

Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer revealed last week that he expected George Pickens to report for the team's mandatory minicamp, scheduled to run from June 16 through June 18, even though the wide receiver has stayed away from the club for the voluntary portion of the offseason program.  

While speaking with reporters on Tuesday, Schottenheimer indicated he remains unconcerned about where Pickens will be when the team's mandatory sessions begin. 

Brian Schottenheimer sounds convinced he'll see George Pickens at mandatory minicamp

"I’m thrilled when George comes walking through these doors, hopefully next week, and I expect to see him next week," Schottenheimer said about Pickens, per Mauricio Rodriguez of A to Z Sports. "What he can do for this football team on the field is unmatched in a lot of regards. But I’m really excited to see the step he takes from a leadership and influence standpoint." 

Pickens is set to earn roughly $27.3M for the 2026 season per the terms of the franchise tag he signed earlier this spring. Because he signed the franchise tender, he could be fined a maximum total of $107,911 if he skips the entire mandatory minicamp. However, he wouldn't have been subject to fines had he not signed the tender and remained away from the Cowboys through the start of the team's summer break. 

Cowboys have a plan for what George Pickens will, won't do during mandatory minicamp

Some understandably have wondered how much on-the-field work Pickens will complete during mandatory minicamp. On Tuesday, Schottenheimer hinted the 25-year-old may not be asked to do all that much next week. 

"We’ll be smart," Schottenheimer said about having Pickens back at the team facility. "I have no questions that he’s working. But what you don’t want to do is put a guy in here when you don’t know exactly where he’s at. Because, let’s be honest, we don’t truly know how much running he’s doing. ...If we’re cautious, it’s just because we want to be cautious. It’s not because we don’t think he’s working. We think he’s putting in the work and preparing to have a hell of a year."

For what it's worth, Pickens has given no public indication since it was learned that he won't receive a multiyear extension from the Cowboys that he would skip mandatory minicamp. That said, questions about his intentions will likely hover over the Cowboys until the morning of June 16 arrives.