Cowboys' Dak Prescott addresses mandatory minicamp expectations for George Pickens

While speaking with reporters on Tuesday, Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer reiterated that he expects George Pickens to report for the team's mandatory minicamp on June 16. 

The wide receiver has not attended voluntary portions of the team's offseason program. However, it sounds like Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott believes Pickens will show up for work next Tuesday. 

Dak Prescott "excited" about having George Pickens back with Cowboys

"They were great," Prescott said about throwing sessions he had with Pickens in April, per Jon Machota of The Athletic. "George is George. He’s great. He’s awesome. His personality, excitement, his energy. He was consistent, consistent as he’s been, those times that I got to throw with him. And honestly, just even communicating with him through phone, as we have in these last couple of weeks, George is great. I’m excited about where he’s going to be. I’m excited about when he gets in and the work that we’re gonna have to build off of. But, yeah, George is George, and he is fine."

The perception exists that Pickens has been protesting the fact that he will not receive a multiyear contract extension from the Cowboys this spring or summer. However, the fact that he signed the franchise tag worth roughly $27.3M for the 2026 season earlier this spring suggests he won't want to be fined for skipping the mandatory sessions. 

Pickens would not have been subject to fines related to mandatory minicamp had he left his franchise tender unsigned through the end of next week. 

Dak Prescott realistic about what George Pickens will, won't do during mandatory minicamp

Schottenheimer hinted on Tuesday that the Cowboys will be "smart" regarding what Pickens does during mandatory minicamp. Prescott seems to expect that Pickens will have a relatively easy few days with the team. 

"I would love for him to be in, but even if he’s in, I doubt that he’s going full, jumping in on the team (drills)," Prescott added about Pickens. "I would hope not, to be honest. Just protecting him, 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 in."