Dallas Cowboys Rumors: Travis Frederick Signs Contract, Highest Paid Center In NFL

It appears that a second member of what is arguably the best offensive lines in the NFL is being paid handsomely now. According to 24/7 Sports, the Dallas Cowboys have signed Travis Frederick to a new contract. The deal is said to be for six years, and it is worth approximately $56 million, with approximately $28 million of that being guaranteed.

It is a bit of an understatement to say that Travis Frederick has been a good player for the Dallas Cowboys. He has yet to miss a game since joining the NFL. Plus, Frederick has been to the Pro Bowl the last two seasons.

When you have one of the best centers in the NFL, decisions are made a bit easier. Earlier this year, the Dallas Cowboys picked up the fifth year option for Travis Frederick, ensuring that they would get at least another season from him. The move was just a formality, because the Cowboys knew they wanted Frederick under contract for the long haul.

Report: Cowboys make Travis Frederick highest-paid center with 6-year, $56.4M extension. https://t.co/uqUgLrDYep pic.twitter.com/0NbJ7aszti

— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) August 14, 2016

Contract talks between Travis Frederick and the Dallas Cowboys have been ongoing. However, both sides decided to hammer out a deal when agent Joe Panos, who represents Frederick, decided to visit the Cowboys training camp in Oxnard, California.

Joe Panos has a very good working relationship with the Dallas Cowboys. The agent also represents Tyron Smith, who happens to start at left tackle for the Cowboys. Much like Travis Frederick, Smith is considered one of the best at his position in the NFL. Panos was able to secure a contract for Smith worth approximately $98 million, as reported by ESPN.

Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones should probably keep the checkbook out. After this season, he is going to need to negotiate a new contract for right guard Zack Martin, who is already considered one of the best guards in the NFL.

After locking down Zack Martin, Travis Frederick, and Tyron Smith, the Dallas Cowboys will more than likely need to sign La’el Collins to a big contract. He has shown tremendous potential thus far in the NFL. Collins was initially considered a first round talent, but he was not drafted because of off-field issues.

In the NFL, status plays a big part in contract negotiations. The contract for Travis Frederick was based around the deal that longtime Cleveland Browns center Alex Mack signed with the Atlanta Falcons earlier this summer. Mack was previously the highest paid player at the position.

During free agency, the Oakland Raiders made one of the biggest splashes when they signed Kelechi Osemele. The burly guard received a five-year deal worth approximately $60 million, as reported by ESPN. Zack Martin is going to be looking into that neighborhood when it comes time to negotiate his new deal next spring.

La’el Collins is not on the same level as Zack Martin and Kelechi Osemele yet, but he has the talent to someday get there. While the former LSU Tigers star may not get himself a $60 million deal, Collins should still be financially set after his contract extension next spring.

Jerry Jones knows that the window of opportunity closes another inch every season, as Dallas Cowboys franchise quarterback Tony Romo is getting up there in age. That is a big reason why Jones has not hesitated to break out the checkbook for his massive offensive linemen.

Travis Frederick came into the NFL with so much doubt looming over him. Rather than letting that get him down, Frederick decided to work hard to become one of the best in the business. The $56 million is proof that he has succeeded at that goal.

[Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images]