Dallas Cowboys 2026 OTAs & Mandatory Minicamp Dates, Offseason Schedule

We now know when the Dallas Cowboys will be returning to the field to kick off preparations for the upcoming NFL regular season. On Friday, April 3, the NFL released offseason program dates for all 32 teams around the field, so the Cowboys now know when it's time to get back to work.

Dallas will be welcoming players back to The Star for the first day of voluntary workouts on Monday, April 20, less than one month after the conclusion of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Players will then have more than a month off before it's time to return to Frisco, Texas, for the start of OTAs on Monday, June 1.

The organizaed team activities will run through Thursday, June 11, with six designated dates for the workouts.

Dallas Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer during training camp at the River Ridge Fields. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Of course, before we get to OTAs and mandatory minicamp, the Cowboys will have to go through the draft to round out their roster and bring in the rookie class, who will be battling for jobs. The 2026 NFL Draft will be held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from Thursday, April 23, through Saturday, April 25.

A full look at the schedule for Dallas' 2026 offseason program can be seen below, via Tommy Yarrish of the team's official website.

2026 Cowboys Offseason Program: OTAs & Mandatory Minicamp Dates

A view of Dallas Cowboys players' helmets on the bench against the Washington Commanders at FedExField. | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

First Day: Monday, April 20

Voluntary Minicamp: Dates TBA

OTAs: Monday June 1, Tuesday June 2, Thursday June 4, Monday June 8, Tuesday June 9, and Thursday June 11

Mandatory Minicamp: Thursday, June 16 through Saturday, June 20

While it's exciting to know when the Cowboys will be reporting to kick off the offseason program, there is one major question hanging over the organization's head: Will breakout star wide receiver George Pickens be in attendance?

Will George Pickens Participate in Cowboys' Offseason Program?

Dallas Cowboys receiver George Pickens during NFC practice at the NFL Flag Fieldhouse at Moscone Center South Building. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Cowboys placed the franchise tag on Pickens before the start of the new league year, guaranteeing him approximately $27.3 million for 2026.

However, there is a growing belief that Pickens will not sign anything without a long-term contract commitment. NFL insider Adam Schefter believes the situation could drag out until mid-July, which is the deadline to sign the franchise tender.

Because Pickens is not allowed in the Cowboys' building until he signs the franchise tag, it does not seem likely that the Dallas faithful will see Pickens back on the field with a star on his helmet until training camp at the earliest.

— Sign up for the Cowboys Daily Digest newsletter for more free coverage from Dallas Cowboys on SI —