NFL Rumors: Travis Frederick signs massive deal with Dallas Cowboys
By John Buhler
Travis Frederick is now the NFL’s highest paid center after signing a six-year deal worth $56.4 million, $18.2 million guaranteed with the Dallas Cowboys.
According to the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, “the Dallas Cowboys and center Travis Frederick reached an agreement on a six-year extension worth $56.4 million and $28 million in the first three years.”
The #Cowboys and C Travis Frederick reached an agreement on a 6-year extension worth $56.4M with $28M in the first three years. Huge deal.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 14, 2016
On his 6-yr, $56.4M deal, #Cowboys C Travis Frederick gets $18.2M fully guaranteed & $28.2M in total guarantees, source said. Highest paid C
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 14, 2016
Dallas wisely locks up its two-time Pro Bowl center for the next six years. Frederick is the former No. 31 overall pick by the Cowboys out of the University of Wisconsin in the 2013 NFL Draft. Dallas has had the best offensive line in football the last two years thanks in large part to Frederick anchoring the unit at center.
At 25 years old, this is both a great deal for Frederick and for the Cowboys in the long-term. Frederick is now the highest paid center in football before he reaches his late 20s. Only $18.2 million of this $56.4 million multi-year deal is fully guaranteed.
Next: Every NFL Team's Best Draft Pick Of All-Time
The deal is front-loaded with $28 million of it coming in the first three years of the deal (2016-18). Frederick can make up the decline dollar amount in the final three years of his deal with up to $28.2 million in total guarantees.
For Dallas to even think about winning a Super Bowl with Tony Romo as its starting quarterback in these next few years, the Cowboys have to make certain that the protection he’ll have up front is nothing less than elite. By signing Frederick to a strong, multi-year extension, Dallas can ensure that its center position will be set for the next half decade.