Schottenheimer indicated he has spoken with Pickens and described him as “doing great,” noting that Pickens has been seen socializing with Cowboys teammate CeeDee Lamb. He said the team wants Pickens back for the offseason program but stressed the business side of the situation will play out, with plans for a longer stay in Dallas if possible.
Despite the positive personal update, the Cowboys face a delicate offseason. Pickens starred in 2025 with 93 receptions for 1,429 yards, making the absence of offseason participation potentially impactful for an offense expected to be among the league’s best. Dallas would prefer to avoid a repeat of recent holdouts, which affected the team’s preparation in prior summers.
Schottenheimer underscored the voluntary nature of offseason programs and reiterated that the timing remains uncertain. He avoided pressuring Pickens to join, signaling a respectful approach while the club continues negotiations and plans for the upcoming season.
The situation remains fluid, with July 15 as a potential deadline for contract developments. While Schottenheimer’s tone is measured, the Cowboys’ goal is to minimize distractions and secure Pickens as a cornerstone of their offense as they push to rebound from back-to-back seven-win seasons.
In summary, Dallas is managing a high-stakes payroll and a marquee player on the franchise tag. Schottenheimer’s comments reflect a measured stance: keep the lines open with Pickens, avoid coercion, and let the contractual process determine next steps while preparing the team for a potential strong postseason-ready 2026 offense.
