George Pickens Is a No-Show For OTAs, and Dallas Fans Should Be Watching Closely

Alright, 12s, even though our Hawks are grinding and the regular season is still a bit out, there's always drama bubbling up around the league. And right now, all eyes are on Dallas, where Pro Bowl receiver George Pickens has been a no-show for their voluntary offseason workouts. You heard that right. This isn't just some rookie; this is a serious weapon, and while Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer tossed out a "promising update," saying Pickens is expected at mandatory minicamp, it still makes you wonder, doesn't it? What's going on down there in Big D?

Pickens' Absence and Defensive Overhaul

So, Pickens is absent from the voluntary OTAs, and obviously, it's raising eyebrows. Schottenheimer's update is a relief for Dallas fans, but you always want your key guys in the building, especially when a team's looking to sharpen their chances at becoming a contender. Beyond the Pickens situation, the Cowboys are diving deep into their offseason work, with OTAs just kicking off. A huge part of their focus is Christian Parker's defense. Last season, that unit struggled in a few areas, and a big one that *has* to change is recording more turnovers. You can't win consistently in this league without taking the ball away. They are also looking for linebacker Dee Winters to continue to grow after a career-best season last year in San Francisco. He’s looking for a fresh start back in his home state with the Cowboys.

New Faces and Joint Practices

It's not all about who's *not* there, though. The Cowboys have Caleb Downs making headlines, but they've also got veteran safety Jalen Thompson, who's ready to team up with him. Thompson's talent could be special for that defense, adding some much-needed experience. Looking ahead, the Cowboys are planning joint practices against Myles Garrett and the Rams, and also the Saints. This is a chance for them to really test themselves against some top-tier competition before the season gets rolling. It's smart, intense work that can either expose weaknesses or build serious chemistry. All these early offseason moves and absences are shaping up the NFC landscape. While Pickens is expected back for mandatory minicamp, his voluntary absence sets a tone. The Cowboys' PR staff even picked up the PFWA's 2026 Pete Rozelle award, which is cool, but a healthy, focused team is what actually wins games. Keep an eye on that mandatory minicamp to see if Pickens truly shows up and if that Dallas defense can truly turn things around. It's going to be a fascinating journey to see if they can truly become that contender they're striving for.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.