Dallas Cowboys mandatory minicamp starts June 16th, and the team got some answers amid some deep concerns this offseason.
George Pickens, who signed the franchise tag in hopes of having another dominant All-Pro season, will report to training camp, per Clarence Hill Jr. of All-City DLLS. With previous concerns about missing mandatory minicamp, there is still leverage from the Cowboys' end here, as he could be fined $107,911 if he were to miss the full minicamp. Here's what Hill Jr. had to say to calm down any Cowboys fans' concerns.
"The plan is for (Pickens) to be there. That's the plan for (Pickens) to be at minicamp...He shows up, he signs the tag, he's required to be at minicamp, and the plans are for him to be at minicamp."
It looks like George Pickens will attend mandatory minicamp
Hill Jr. added that they will likely be cautious with Pickens, avoiding him for any rigorous drills. If he's here for mandatory minicamp, he will likely be here for Day 1 of training camp.
And then, yes. That would lead us to preseason and eventually Week 1, when Pickens should make his 2026 debut. He will be playing under the $27.3 million franchise tag, and as much as we want to see him get that long-term deal, he has to prove his maturity before Jerry Jones and Co. can sign the right guy. He's a talented guy, but he has to be the right one for the Cowboys to make a long-term commitment.
Reports have signaled the Cowboys may not be committed to giving Pickens that extension, and while that sounds concerning, the Cowboys aren't ready yet. Easier said than done, but all he has to do is repeat his 2025 season, when he went for 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns.
The Green Bay Packers put some heat on the Cowboys when they signed Christian Watson to a new contract. This could be a classic Jones move, not signing players to their market value until the 11th hour, but Pickens being stuck with his franchise deal is frustrating. It's been a headache for both sides, but the franchise tag is probably best for both parties as we speak.
This is something positive to start the week if you're a Cowboys fan, but it's still one of those things where you have to see to believe. Hill Jr. is a seasoned Cowboys insider, but this Pickens saga has been a concern this entire offseason, and it's something fans have to see before they believe Pickens is 100 percent committed to minicamp.
It's a breath of fresh air... for now, at least.
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