Overview
- Pickens reported to the Dallas Cowboys’ mandatory minicamp on Tuesday as a limited participant, completing individual drills but sitting out team sessions.
- The receiver signed a non-exclusive one-year franchise tender in April worth about $27.3 million and has said he will not hold out and will play the season.
- Coach Brian Schottenheimer and quarterback Dak Prescott publicly praised Pickens’ commitment and said they expect him to be ready for training camp.
- Former players and commentators warned that the one-year tag offers limited guarantees and exposes Pickens to injury risk that could reduce his future earning power.
- Pickens’ camp is concerned the Cowboys could apply a second franchise tag in 2027 at roughly 120% of the 2026 amount, a possibility that would prolong contract uncertainty as Dallas manages large pay commitments to Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb.