Team leaders consistently emphasized Pickens’s passion for football. “George loves football,” became a recurring refrain from Cowboys officials, including Jerry Jones, Stephen Jones, and Dak Prescott, as well as offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer. This mindset aligned with the club’s approach to the offseason, signaling they expected Pickens to be actively involved once training camp began.
In the lead-up to their move to Oxnard for training camp, the Cowboys’ offensive skill players, including Prescott, have been staying active together in Park City, Utah. All invited players, including Pickens, have attended the workouts, underscoring the team’s focus on building chemistry ahead of the season.
Prescott has previously worked out with Pickens during the offseason, and the quarterback helped organize a retreat for the Cowboys’ skill-position group. The gathering reportedly included wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and the entire wide receiver corps, along with running backs and tight ends. The group also featured backup quarterbacks Joe Milton and Sam Howell, who are competing to back up Prescott.
Public chatter around the retreat highlighted full participation from the Cowboys’ skill unit, with Pickens among those in attendance. This level of involvement aligns with the team’s broader strategy of fostering cohesion and readiness for the upcoming season.
On the field, Pickens enjoyed a strong 2025 campaign, compiling 93 receptions for 1,429 yards. Those totals marked the best numbers of his career and placed him among the top receivers in the league for that season. Entering free agency, Pickens sought a long-term deal, but the Cowboys opted to use the franchise tag and indicated they wouldn’t negotiate a new contract with him during the offseason. Despite that stance, the organization remained optimistic about his commitment to the team.
Ahead of minicamp, Schottenheimer expressed confidence in Pickens’s desire to contribute to the Cowboys’ success. He highlighted Pickens’s appreciation for the locker room and the direction the team is pursuing. Schottenheimer noted that while voluntary offseason programs and OTAs are optional, Pickens’s decision to attend minicamp demonstrated his commitment to the group and the goal of winning a Super Bowl.
In summary, the Cowboys entered 2026 with Pickens at the heart of their plans, reinforced by clear signs of his dedication to the program and his teammates. The combination of a proven track record, a strong work ethic, and continued participation in offseason activities positioned Pickens as a central figure in Dallas’s pursuit of a championship.
