Lack of Intent? Emmanuel Acho Doesn’t Think George Pickens Will Participate in Cowboys Mini-Camp

George Pickens showed up for his physical at Cowboys facility after signing the franchise tag, but Emmanuel Acho wants fans to wait until he actively participates in team drills before resting easy.

Lack of Intent? Emmanuel Acho Doesn’t Think George Pickens Will Participate in Cowboys Mini-Camp

George Pickens and Emmanuel Acho inside the circle (Image via IMAGO/X)

Despite signing the franchise tag with the Dallas Cowboys, George Pickens missed both the voluntary minicamp and the OTAs. He showed up on day one of the mandatory minicamp. However, Emmanuel Acho cautioned Cowboys fans to avoid premature celebration of his return.

On his Speakeasy YouTube show, Acho pointed out that Pickens attended the minicamp so that the Cowboys cannot fine him.

George Pickens is gonna be at minicamp… But will he do anything in minicamp? Hell no.

Acho said

Co-host and former running back LeSean McCoy gave a small example of how Pickens might act at the minicamp.

His back hurt.

McCoy said in a sarcastic tone

Players can’t be fined for the first phase of the offseason camp. They are voluntary. However, the Cowboys have the leverage of imposing a fine on the Pro Bowl wide receiver for missing the mandatory part of the camp.  

So, by showing up, Pickens avoids the fine. That’s not the end of the story. Until he actively participates in the sessions, there’s always a chance he might hold out for a larger contract than the $27.3 million for the 2026 season.

Cowboys fans do not get overtly excited until you see George Pickens lined up against Daron Bland catching a goal ball.

Acho concluded

Per Jon Machota of The Athletic, Pickens took his physical on Sunday at the Cowboys’ facility.

Source: Cowboys WR George Pickens is at The Star today to take his physical before minicamp starts tomorrow. He did not attend OTAs but is expected to attend mandatory minicamp this Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday.

Machota tweeted
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NFL insider weighs in on George Pickens’ situation

The Cowboys traded a third and a fifth-round draft pick to acquire Pickens ahead of the 2025 season. Pickens played as co-number one alongside CeeDee Lamb, but assumed the lone wolf role when Lamb missed a few games due to injury.

Lack of Intent? Emmanuel Acho Doesn't Think George Pickens Will Report For Cowboys Mini-Camp
George Pickens (Image via IMAGO)

The Georgia alum caught 93 passes for 1429 yards and scored 9 touchdowns. It was the third-best number in the league behind Seattle’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba and the Rams’ Puka Nacua. So, Pickens waited for an extension worthy of his output. However, Jerry and Stephen Jones declined to entertain him. But they also wanted Pickens back for the 2026 season.

I’m talking to George all the time by virtue of my excitement for him. He’s better than, as far as what he contributed to our team, showing the potential that he could contribute.

Cowboys GM said

After a long standoff, Pickens finally agreed to sign the franchise tag. It created a false sense of security for the Cowboys’ fans. Pickens ignored the first phase of the offseason camp, making everyone question whether Pickens actually wants to be in Dallas anymore. Pickens taking the physical kind of negates that theory.

Pickens knows, it is on him partially… to show the [Dallas] Cowboys that he’s worthy of a long-term deal, as he did on the field last year. Showing up, on time, doing what’s right.

Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network said

Jones has already said that the Cowboys won’t pay Pickens a long-term deal. That’s because Lamb is already earning top money.

I mean, let’s start with the fact that it’s not easy having two receivers being paid top of the market. I mean, that’s obviously a stretch, especially when you have other great players on your team. A quarterback that’s been here, being the highest-paid player in this league for many years now. Certainly, that’s part of it.

Stephen Jones said via Todd Archer of ESPN

The Steelers drafted Pickens 52nd overall in 2022. Since then, he has caught 267 passes for 4270 yards and 21 touchdowns in 65 appearances.

Pickens played three seasons with the Georgia Bulldogs. He caught 90 passes for 1347 yards and scored 14 TDs.

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