Dallas Cowboys wide receivers George Pickens (3) and Ceedee Lamb sit on the bench during a football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)

Dallas Cowboys wide receivers George Pickens (3) and Ceedee Lamb sit on the bench during a football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)

Jeffrey McWhorter/AP

FRISCO — George Pickens was a no-show at OTAs this week, as expected, but, just to show there are no hard feelings, Brian Schottenheimer reminded the media that they’re voluntary. Reminded us three times, in fact. Once more and I’d have expected an old Darren Hambrick punchline.

“What do voluntary mean?” 

If you’re good enough, Hambone, it means you can get away with asking the question.

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Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer visits with rookie safety Caleb Downs (13) during an Organized Team Activity timeout at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer visits with rookie safety Caleb Downs (13) during an Organized Team Activity timeout at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys rookie defensive end LT Overton (99) and rookie defensive tackle Kelvin Gilliam (94) jogs a new drill during Organized Team Activities at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys rookie defensive end LT Overton (99) and rookie defensive tackle Kelvin Gilliam (94) jogs a new drill during Organized Team Activities at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer visits with rookie safety Caleb Downs (13) during an Organized Team Activity timeout at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer visits with rookie safety Caleb Downs (13) during an Organized Team Activity timeout at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) slaps hands with wide receiver Tyler Johnson (15) during Organized Team Activities at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) slaps hands with wide receiver Tyler Johnson (15) during Organized Team Activities at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys cornerback Shavon Revel (28) covers fellow corner Caelen Carson (21) during Organized Team Activity drill at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys cornerback Shavon Revel (28) covers fellow corner Caelen Carson (21) during Organized Team Activity drill at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys rookie safety Caleb Downs (13) gives chase to cornerback Trikweze Bridges (25) in the basic of the end zone during Organized Team Activities at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys rookie safety Caleb Downs (13) gives chase to cornerback Trikweze Bridges (25) in the basic of the end zone during Organized Team Activities at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys linebacker Marist Liufau (35) blasts into a blocking pad during Organized Team Activities at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Marist Liufau (35) blasts into a blocking pad during Organized Team Activities at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys safety Caleb Downs (13) catches a pass during Organized Team Activity drills at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys safety Caleb Downs (13) catches a pass during Organized Team Activity drills at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys linebacker Shemar James (50) catches a pass during Organized Team Activity drills at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Shemar James (50) catches a pass during Organized Team Activity drills at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys outside linebacker Tyrus Wheat (90) knocks down a feathered pass as he runs drills during Organized Team Activities at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Tyrus Wheat (90) knocks down a feathered pass as he runs drills during Organized Team Activities at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys safety Julius Woods (32) knocks down a tethered pass as he runs drills during Organized Team Activities at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys safety Julius Woods (32) knocks down a tethered pass as he runs drills during Organized Team Activities at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys rookie safety Caleb Downs (13) reaches to back a pass during Organized Team Activities at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys rookie safety Caleb Downs (13) reaches to back a pass during Organized Team Activities at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) wipes his face as he stretches during Organized Team Activities at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) wipes his face as he stretches during Organized Team Activities at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Klayton Adams during Organized Team Activities at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Klayton Adams during Organized Team Activities at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys safety Jalen Thompson (34) works out on the exercise cord during Organized Team Activities at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys safety Jalen Thompson (34) works out on the exercise cord during Organized Team Activities at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) makes a golf swing as he stretches during Organized Team Activities at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) makes a golf swing as he stretches during Organized Team Activities at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys wide receiver Jaden Smith (17) jogs to Organized Team Activities at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jaden Smith (17) jogs to Organized Team Activities at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) makes a golf swing as he stretches during Organized Team Activities at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) makes a golf swing as he stretches during Organized Team Activities at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys wide receiver Ceedee Lamb (88) swigs an energy drink as he walks to Organized Team Activities at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026. His shoes read Deep 88.

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ceedee Lamb (88) swigs an energy drink as he walks to Organized Team Activities at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026. His shoes read Deep 88.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer applauds the effort by his team during Organized Team Activities at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer applauds the effort by his team during Organized Team Activities at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer points to his staff during Organized Team Activities at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer points to his staff during Organized Team Activities at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (92) steps through the pads as he leads the teammates during Organized Team Activities at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (92) steps through the pads as he leads the teammates during Organized Team Activities at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys safety Caleb Downs (13) pushes aside the blocking dummy during Organized Team Activities at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys safety Caleb Downs (13) pushes aside the blocking dummy during Organized Team Activities at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys cornerback Cobie Durant (2) reaches around during Organized Team Activity drill at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys cornerback Cobie Durant (2) reaches around during Organized Team Activity drill at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys safety Caleb Downs (13) pushes aside the blocking dummy during Organized Team Activities at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys safety Caleb Downs (13) pushes aside the blocking dummy during Organized Team Activities at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams (33) carries the ball during an Organized Team Activity drill at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams (33) carries the ball during an Organized Team Activity drill at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys defensive end Malachi Lawrence (55) runs through pass rushing drills during Organized Team Activities at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Malachi Lawrence (55) runs through pass rushing drills during Organized Team Activities at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys running back Jaydon Blue (23) carries the ball during an Organized Team Activity drill at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys running back Jaydon Blue (23) carries the ball during an Organized Team Activity drill at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys linebacker Justin Barron (45) catches a pass during Organized Team Activity drills at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Justin Barron (45) catches a pass during Organized Team Activity drills at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys defensive end Malachi Lawrence (55) catches a pass during Organized Team Activity drills at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Malachi Lawrence (55) catches a pass during Organized Team Activity drills at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys defensive end Malachi Lawrence (55) lines up to run a drill during Organized Team Activities at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Malachi Lawrence (55) lines up to run a drill during Organized Team Activities at The Star in Frisco, Texas, June 4, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News

Pickens is plenty good, as has been noted previously in this space. Maybe the most gifted receiver in Cowboys history. That statement covers a lot of ground, some as distant as Canton.

Of course, there’s a considerable gap between “gifted” and “best,” and Pickens, artful as he was last season, has yet to make that leap. My guess is he’s got one more season to make his case. If he’s still in the running then, the Cowboys will have to make a decision.

Pickens or CeeDee Lamb? 

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Because you can’t afford to pay two receivers the kind of money they want long-term and expect to build a championship roster going forward. Not with Tyler Smith’s cap hit doubling in ’27 and DeMarvion Overshown deserving of a financial jolt if he remains healthy. Maybe Donovan Ezeiruaku, too, not to mention Tyler Booker, if he keeps putting together nice seasons.

And what if Tyler Guyton — “One of the most athletic big men I’ve ever been around,” Schotty said Thursday — finally figures out how to block someone? Good left tackles don’t come cheap.

Bottom line is, the Cowboys have too much money invested in a handful of players as it is. They’ve got to spread it around.

For the record: The Cowboys were wise to use the tag on Pickens and make him prove that those 1,400 yards last year were no fluke. They also saw just enough of the issues that got him on Mike Tomlin’s bad side in Pittsburgh. A one-year deal for $28 million feels like a reasonable compromise, all things considered. 

Pickens and Lamb give Dak Prescott one of the league’s most formidable set of receivers to choose between. If the defense, which was historically awful last year, is just league-average this fall under Christian Parker, the Cowboys should be able to hang with just about anyone.

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If Pickens plays a prominent role on a playoff team, his market should also be at an all-time high. Because of his off-field issues, the Cowboys only had to pay a third-round pick to get him. He’d be worth considerably more now. How much? The Eagles just got a first and a fifth from the Patriots for A.J. Brown, who finished 400 yards short of Pickens last season and led him in drama.

All it takes is one team to think it could live with Pickens’ quirks if it’s getting a Hall-of-Fame talent in the bargain.

Could the Cowboys talk themselves into believing as much? Jerry Jones has done it before. T.O. comes to mind. Also Dez Bryant. Organizations occasionally make concessions when poor decisions or bad luck or both box them into a corner.

The difference in this case is they wouldn’t be in a bind if they traded Pickens. They’d still have a No. 1 receiver by pretty much anyone’s definition.

Because of his superior size and similar skill set, Pickens is a more dangerous player than Lamb. Might even make you ask why not trade Lamb instead? Don’t think I haven’t considered it. I don’t spend my afternoons napping. Unless I’m disturbed before 8, and then all bets are off.

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Anyway, after considerable deliberation and further hair loss, here’s my takeaway: There’s not enough difference between Pickens and Lamb to justify the risk of trading the latter, even if he’s two years older. Lamb seems the more reliable of the two, on and off the field.

Funny thing is how well the two get along, considering they want the same football. This is not always the case with alpha receivers. Amari Cooper chafed at Lamb’s ascension. Pickens and Lamb, on the other hand, are as thick as John Turturro and George Clooney in “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” Boon companions, as ol’ Pete would say. Even missed the start of the Raiders game together.

Dak is a Pickens fan, too, and why not? He’s had to make do with far less. He and Pickens have worked out together this offseason just to make sure the receiver hasn’t forgotten what a football looks like.

Schotty hasn’t seen Pickens, but he talked to him on the phone Wednesday. Asked if he got any guarantees that Pickens would turn up for the mandatory sessions, he said it didn’t come up.

“But I expect he’ll be here, and I think he’s in a good spot,” Schottenheimer said. “But, again, I know he’s handling his business, and I know he misses his teammates. We miss him, too.

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“You guys know how we feel about him, and this is just part of business.”

The Cowboys are playing nice now because it will help them get the best version of Pickens this fall. Just the same, they showed their hand with the franchise tag. Pickens is handling his business now. With any luck, the Cowboys will have their own to do next summer.