Overview
- Pickens reported to the Cowboys' mandatory minicamp on Tuesday and told reporters he will not hold out and will put football first.
- He took part in individual drills at the minicamp but did not join team drills as the staff managed his workload.
- Pickens is signed to a one-year franchise tag worth about $27.3 million for 2026 and has said he will let his agent handle extension talks, which are currently on pause.
- Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer and quarterback Dak Prescott publicly expressed confidence in Pickens’ readiness and commitment after his return.
- Commentators warned playing on the tag risks future earnings if Pickens is injured and outlets note Dallas could apply a second tag in 2027 worth roughly 120% of the current amount, a key factor for his leverage next offseason.