PHOENIX — The commencement of the Dallas Cowboys’ preseason regimen won’t begin for a couple of weeks, yet chief coach Brian Schottenheimer lacks any firm guarantees that their franchise-designated pass-catcher, George Pickens, will be present.
“And I haven’t pressed him on that,” Schottenheimer stated during the NFL conference in Phoenix. “I mean, again, we are all navigating this situation. April is nearly upon us. We still have a couple of weeks to go. The situation will unfold as it must. Again, participation is entirely optional. We shall observe the outcome.”
The Cowboys have not engaged in talks with Pickens’ agents concerning a long-term contract subsequent to applying the $27.3 million designation to the wideout. Given that the Cowboys opted against an exclusive designation for Pickens, he remains eligible to be acquired as an unrestricted player, should another club consent to forfeit two first-round draft selections or another arrangement satisfactory to the Cowboys organization.
The prior year, during his inaugural season at the helm, Schottenheimer confronted the controversy involving edge rusher Micah Parsons, who was nearing the conclusion of his initial professional agreement. Parsons appeared for the initial two days of the preseason activities, yet abstained from participating in workouts. He participated in the compulsory minicamp in June and also the training camp, though he refrained from practicing prior to his trade to the Green Bay Packers just a week ahead of the 2025 season’s commencement.
“Listen, GP enjoys being here. We value GP,” Schottenheimer commented. “Our intentions are for GP to remain with us for an extended period, thus, we will permit the commercial aspects of this matter to proceed and observe the outcome.”
Obtained from the Pittsburgh Steelers via an exchange last May, Pickens achieved personal bests in receptions (93), yardage (1,429), and scores (nine). He earned recognition as a second-team All-Pro and also a Pro Bowl selection.
Schottenheimer’s discussions with Pickens have centered on his deployment within the offensive scheme, rather than whether he will join the squad for the preseason regimen.
“My observation about him [in 2025] was his fondness for positional versatility,” Schottenheimer remarked. “And we rather discovered that when CeeDee [Lamb] was sidelined, frankly, as CeeDee has typically been our movable asset. Consequently, during that period where he performed exceptionally, we were shifting his alignments. Thus, he is enthusiastic about it. He anticipates it eagerly.”