The George Pickens Paradox: Why him missing Dallas Cowboys workouts matters despite them being voluntary
The Dallas Cowboys
Let’s kick things off with a disclaimer. We’re not going full Dallas Cowboys drama here. We’re not going to make it seem like George Pickens will be traded. This isn’t that.
I understand why many fans, content creators, and media members roll their eyes at any and all Pickens content considering the Cowboys have made it clear they’re not dealing him away and that the wide receiver has signed his franchise tag.
But at the very least, we should be allowed to point out that the whole thing is kind of weird. And the latest report makes it more so.
George Pickens misses first Cowboys workout
On Tuesday, Pickens missed the first Cowboys workout since signing the franchise tag, according to Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s Nick Harris.
Pickens’ decision is notable even though mandatory workouts don’t begin until June 16, when a three-day mandatory minicamp is set to kick off. Why? Because his motivation to sign the tag remains confusing.
When reports emerged on draft day indicating Pickens would be signing the tag, many wondered if a trade was a possibility. It made sense. As long as the tag remained unsigned, he wasn’t eligible for a trade and he wasn’t subject to fines for missing mandatory minicamp nor training camp.
Had he signed it pre-draft, the door would have been wide open for a draft night deal to materialize. Instead, Pickens didn’t sign the tag until one week later. Thus, an alternate explanation emerged.
Maybe Pickens simply gave up his leverage because he wants to gear up for another big season and cash in in 2027. He knows Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb will help him get monster numbers once again, which he could parlay into a top-of-the-market deal in Dallas or elsewhere. But if that’s the goal, doesn’t it make sense to show up to all workouts, albeit voluntary?
I’m not suggesting he won’t be ready for the season if he misses voluntary practices, as that would be quite the reach. But quarterback-wide receiver chemistry is so important in putting together a great year that you would expect Pickens to take every chance he gets if his motivation to sign the tag was to have the best season he can.
Perhaps he’s only halfway there. Maybe he wants another great season but he won’t let the Cowboys escape unscathed from shutting down contract negotiations.
I’m not panicking unless Pickens misses mandatory practices but at the very least, not showing up to voluntary workouts is relevant. June 1 is the next important date for he and the Cowboys, as OTAs are set to kick off then.
They’re voluntary, yet important. Will Pickens show up? We’ll find out.