The latest George Pickens news is exactly what Dallas Cowboys fans want to hear going into key offseason date
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens has yet to report to The Star in Frisco, Texas. But based on Brian Schottenheimer’s words, that could be about to change.
The Dallas Cowboys regular season is still three months away but fans got a reason to celebrate a big win on Tuesday. That’s thanks to the latest update on the George Pickens front brought by head coach Brian Schottenheimer.
George Pickens expected at Cowboys minicamp
The Cowboys’ voluntary OTAs come to a close on Thursday, setting the stage for mandatory minicamp on June 16. Naturally, with required attendance entering the picture, everyone will be looking at wide receiver George Pickens.
Based on Schottenheimer’s comments, Pickens should show up for mandatory minicamp.
“I’m thrilled when George comes walking through these doors, hopefully next week, and I expect to see him next week,” Schottenheimer told reporters on Tuesday. “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.”
Schottenheimer saying he expects Pickens to be around shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Though Pickens hasn’t been in the building, Schottenheimer has been around Pickens recently, including for Cowboys linebacker DeMarvion Overshown’s wedding. The head coach described trying to engage him outside the facility as “great.”
It’s not the first time Schottenheimer indicates he expects Pickens to attend minicamp, but with the date being so close, it’s noteworthy.
Schottenheimer reveals plan for Pickens
As for the plan for Pickens’ workload if and when he returns to The Star, it seems like Schottenheimer plans to take it slow.
“We’ll be smart,” Schottenheimer said. “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.”
Though the Cowboys head coach plans to approach things cautiously, it doesn’t mean he is doubting Pickens’ work.
“If we’re cautious, it’s just because we want to be cautious,” he added. “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.”
Pickens showing up would be a massive win
If Pickens does show up for minicamp while knowing the Cowboys don’t intend to extend him before the season, it will be a major win. Specifically because it would likely mean he also plans to show up for training camp.
When the Cowboys announced they were shutting down negotiations, they took a risk. They put an end to any potential contract drama while putting the ball on Pickens’ court. Another big year could make him the highest-paid WR in the sport.
Does he show up to train and gear up for another big season? Or does he sit out despite the lack of immediate upside? If Pickens shows up, then we can consider that a gamble that paid off for Dallas.
When June 16 comes around, expect this to be the biggest storyline in the NFL.