The Cowboys made the bold decision not to engage with Pickens on a new contract, but how did that conversation go?
FRISCO - The Dallas Cowboys have always had their own way of dealing with contracts and the writing of big checks.
Indeed, when it came to George Pickens a couple of months ago, the franchise made a notable - and "all-their-own'' decision regarding his contract status.
First, they placed the franchise tag on George. Fine, that's no big deal. Conventional business.
But then the Cowboys made it known that they wouldn't even entertain talks regarding a long-term deal.
This is a take-it-or-leave-it approach of the sort we don't often see in the NFL today. Often, when a player is tagged, it's all about being a place-holder in the hope a long-term deal can be agreed to.
Or, at the very least, the team tags the guy and then whispers sweet nothings into his (and the public's) ear.
But not Dallas. The club is committed to the ideal Pickens will play on the $27.3 million tag.
At the same time, up until now, the club has also been steadfast in its belief that Pickens will play nice and show up for mandatory work on June 16 ... even though he's skipped both voluntary OTA work.
What's the latest, coach Brian Schottenheimer?
"I think at the end of the day, my job is to just be upfront and honest with these guys, and that's what we did with George,” the coach said. “We made it very clear to George, we're not going to do an extension, and we're so thrilled about him being a part of this football team.
"It's business. It's nothing personal. I'm thrilled when George comes walking through these doors, hopefully next week. I expect to see him next week.''
"Nothing personal''? That's the plan.
But ...
Schottenheimer used the word "hopefully'' in reference to Pickens showing up next week.
And QB Dak Prescott, who in the past has also expressed confidence in that regard, seems to be backing down a little bit as well.
Said Dak:
What we're waiting on is to know George's thoughts on the situation. If he does come to The Star for mandatory minicamp next week, his level of satisfaction will be one of the first questions directed at him.
From all we know so far, Pickens is generally happy in Dallas. But he also wants a long-term deal, so to be told in no uncertain terms that won't be happening, at least this offseason?
That can be a tough pill to swallow.
Schottenheimer stated it's business, it's not personal, but just because that's Dallas' position doesn't mean it's Pickens' position, right?
Indeed, when asked about Pickens' reaction to that "honest and upfront" conversation, Schotty put the brakes on honesty.
"I'm not going to share that with you guys," he said. "It was me, George, and Jerry (Jones in the meeting). We made it very clear how much we love him and what he's done for us here, and what we expect he's going to do for us for a long time. I just remember him being appreciative of us being upfront and honest."
Frankly? Had Pickens received the news as if it was lollipops, sunshine and daffodils, we bet the coach would've "shared that'' with us.
But instead? There seems to be at least the slightest worry here. And no amount of happy talk will tell the tale the way June 16 will.
