Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer emphasizes building a strong team connection during voluntary OTAs, noting that while star receiver George Pickens has skipped workouts, the focus remains on strengthening relationships, especially with new defensive and offensive players. Schottenheimer believes showing commitment and staying connected through workouts, language, and on-field chemistry is more important than scheme at this stage, and expects Pickens to attend mandatory minicamp mid-June.
Pickens’ absence is framed as a protest over his contract situation. He signed the franchise tag for this season, worth approximately $27 million, after negotiations stalled on a longer-term deal. Despite Pickens’ preference to be in the building, the OTAs proceed without him, with confidence from the coaching staff that he will catch up through mandatory activities and continued practice with quarterbacks and teammates like Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb.
Key takeaways:
– Schottenheimer prioritizes player connection and relationship-building during voluntary OTAs.
– Pickens is skipping OTAs as a contract dispute, but is expected to join at mandatory minicamp.
– The focus during this period is more on strength, conditioning, and team chemistry than on scheme.
