The Cowboys created some cap space Thursday by placing Travis Frederick on the reserve/retired list, Todd Archer of ESPN.com notes. The former All-Pro center retired in March.
Frederick landing on the list will free up $7MM in cap room for Dallas. By adding Frederick to the reserve/retired list after June 1, the Cowboys will spread his cap hit across two years.
This contract will still comprise $4.975MM of Dallas’ 2020 cap and count more than $6MM against the team’s 2021 payroll, per the Dallas Morning News’ Michael Gehlken (on Twitter). The deal was set to count more than $11MM on this year’s payroll. Frederick had signed a lucrative extension in 2016 and restructured his deal multiple times.
The 2020 season would have been the decorated blocker’s age-29 campaign. But Frederick’s battle with Gullain-Barre syndrome forced him to call it quits. He had previously missed the entire 2018 season because of the malady, but the five-time Pro Bowler returned in 2019. During the seasons he played, Frederick never missed a game in his career.
Dallas will likely move forward with the recently re-signed Joe Looney — who took over for Frederick at center in 2018 — succeeding Frederick, with fourth-round pick Tyler Biadasz developing behind him. Connor McGovern 2.0 also looms as an option in the Cowboys’ post-Frederick era.
Is this a move to pacify Dak and his salary demands? Freeing up more cap space
no
No… it’s because he retired…
Who’s premature retirement will be more detrimental to their respective teams: Frederick or Kuechley?
As a cowboys fan, we have already gone one season without Fredbeard so I think Kuechley will hurt more on the field but both will hurt as they both meant a lot to each locker room and city
I tend to agree, especially since Kuechley practically functioned as an on-field coach with his penchant for breaking down opposing offenses. However, it remains to be seen how well Looney can serve in his absence. I believe Biadasz can eventually emerge as a solid starter, but he needs time to develop
This is the most reasonable Cowboys thread I’ve ever read on trade rumors. Troll free!
Frederick is a huge loss for Dallas. Making line calls is hugely underestimated.