Cowboys' Schottenheimer: Pickens 'Cornerstone' for Years

0:00It's March 30th. This is NFL News Today, AI-powered story shaping the season. Cowboys' offensive coordinator Brian Shottenheimer just chatted with StarWide receiver George Pickens, but he ain't pressuring the 25-year-old to show up for the voluntary off-season program yet. Pickens had a monster year-last season, earning his first pro-bowl nod and second-team all pro-honors while leading Dallas and Targets, catches yards, and touchdowns. The team slapped the franchise tag on him for $27.3 million to keep him from free agency. It's still early, almost April, and everything's voluntary, so though let it play out naturally. Pickens could skip organized team activities, mini-camp, or even training camp to push for a long-term deal before the July 15th deadline. Coaches and teammates are all hyped about him, with no bad blood despite a couple minor slip-ups like late meetings or missing curfew. Everyone from ownership on down says they want him locked in for the future. Dallas plans to feature Pickens even more in year two, moving him around the offense

1:03to maximize his skills. He's already grinding on his own, with quarterback Dak Prescott and fellow receiver CD Lam, staying sharp on the new schemes. Shottenheimer made it clear they love having GP here and see him as a cornerstone for years to come, especially after trading picks to snag him from. Pittsburgh, last May, over some past character flags. Things feel solid as they build toward a big season.