George Pickens gets new $131 million contract projection for potential Cowboys extension

Despite the Dallas Cowboys being 6-6-1 and having just a six percent chance of making the playoffs, star wide receiver George Pickens is enjoying a long-awaited breakout season at just the right time.

Through 13 games this season, Pickens has tallied a career high in receptions (78), receiving yards (1,179), and receiving touchdowns (8). The 24-year-old is doing all this while in a contract year.

George Pickens contract projection

Pickens is set to hit unrestricted free agency this offseason, and it would be shocking if he doesn't receive a major payday. Spotrac projects the Georgia product will land a four-year contract worth $124 million with an average annual value of $31 million.

Initially, Spotrac had Pickens' market value at $30.8 million over five years, which totals $153.7 million. However, they now believe Pickens will receive one less year but more money annually in his new deal.

Will Pickens hit the market?

If he were to hit the open market, Pickens would be a hot commodity with multiple bidders. However, it sounds like there's a slim chance the electric playmaker leaves Dallas.

According to Todd Archer and Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, a source told them that Pickens is likely staying with the Cowboys. However, the franchise could opt to use the franchise tag on the receiver instead of signing him to a lucrative, multi-year contract.

"He ain't leaving," the source told the ESPN reporters.

"The early signs are that Dallas is not afraid of the franchise tag number," Archer and Fowler wrote.

We'll see how things play out between Pickens and the Cowboys. Though an argument can be made that the 24-year-old has earned an extension due to his play on the field, Pickens is still creating needless distractions off the field, which was a problem during his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers. That could scare Dallas away from committing to him long-term.