OTAs have begun for the Dallas Cowboys, and with mandatory minicamp set to take place next week, there is still one obvious elephant in the room that needs to be answered.
George Pickens, who had a career-best season along with stamping an All-Pro on his resume, is still on the fence about going to mandatory minicamp from June 16-18. This all stems from Pickens' contract saga, as a much-wanted extension would solve all the problems in the world. As a matter of fact, we all want that, but past behavioral issues have forced Pickens into another "prove-it" season.
Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram caught up with Pickens at a youth camp in Corpus Christi. When asked if he would attend the mandatory minicamp, Pickens said "uhhhh" before a representative cut him off.
George Pickens' short response on whether he will attend minicamp leaves more questions than answers
This has been a question for a while now, and it just so happens we're inching closer to finding our answer. This doesn't mean that Pickens won't attend, but what he's feeling here isn't a surprise.
Pickens had a very different tone from his head coach, Brian Schottenheimer, who said earlier in the week that his conversations with Pickens had been positive and that he expected him to take part in minicamp.
As of now, Pickens will make a fully guaranteed $27.3 million on the franchise tag, but both sides have until July 15 to reach a multi-year deal. If no deal is reached, then Pickens will play on the tag this season.
It definitely didn't help when Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson got a four-year, $110.5 million contract extension, with an average annual value (AAV) of $27.62 million. Pickens may just be holding out to play the long game, but Watson's contract may be more of an excuse for Pickens to hold out on participating.
Do the Cowboys dare play chicken with the franchise tag with Pickens in 2027? That all depends on what happens this season.
We all want Pickens to be here long-term, but he has to address his maturity concerns, as he was benched momentarily for violating team curfew in Las Vegas. From a social perspective, we all get it, but as an NFL athlete, you're held to a higher standard. Jerry Jones and Co. know Pickens is a talented player, but they also want to make sure he's the correct player to sign long-term.
It hasn't been as dramatic a Cowboys offseason compared to years past, but that might change next week.
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