Cowboys interested in contract extension for Travis Frederick

Travis Frederick ranks as the top candidate to receive a contract extension in training camp.

Executive vice president Stephen Jones confirmed that the team plans to talk with Frederick about an extension, although no formal meetings have been set up yet.

“Travis has been great for us,” Jones said. “Not only is he a great football player on the field, he represents as [coach Jason Garrett] said what most of our guys what you want off the field. He’s a guy we want to be around here.”

The Cowboys picked up Frederick’s fifth-year option earlier this offseason, which means he is under contract through the 2017 season. But the Cowboys would like to lock up the Pro Bowl center for years to come.

Frederick has made the Pro Bowl the past two seasons, and is considered one of the top centers in the game. He has started all 48 games for the Cowboys since joining the organization as a first-round pick in 2013. What type of contract could Frederick be in line for?

Well, the Atlanta Falcons handed Alex Mack a five-year contract worth $45 million, including $28.5 million guaranteed, earlier this offseason. Before the 2015 season, the Dolphins signed Mike Pouncey to a five-year, $52.15 million deal with $22 million guaranteed and the Raiders handed Rodney Hudson a five-year, $44.5 million deal with $20 million guaranteed.

The Cowboys locked up left tackle Tyron Smith during training camp in 2014, and would like to keep their offensive line unit in tact as much as possible. That means signing Frederick to an extension and possibly right guard Zack Martin next year.

“It’s a challenge, but it’s a great one to have,” Jones said. “Wish we had them at every position because you’re talking about three quality, quality guys here on and off the field. That’s what you want and certainly want to keep those guys together.”

There are other players entering the final year of their contracts such as safety Barry Church, but Jones refused to talk about any other players specifically. Frederick is likely the only significant contract that the Cowboys may hammer out during training camp.

“I don’t want to get into each and every guy on a one-by-one basis,” Jones said. “Obviously Travis is a Pro Bowler and great player and certainly it’ll be a significant contract. Obviously I’ll confirm that, but we’ll certainly look at all our guys who are up after this year.”

This story was originally published July 29, 2016 at 4:19 PM with the headline "Cowboys interested in contract extension for Travis Frederick."