Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman Travis Frederick isn’t worried about star running back Ezekiel Elliott’s ongoing holdout. In fact, he’s envious.
While Elliott awaits a new contract, he’s training in Cabo San Lucas at a facility Frederick has visited before, and Frederick has no ill will toward the 24-year-old Pro Bowler.
“Not at all. I’m a little jealous that he’s in Cabo,” Frederick told reporters Tuesday. “You saw what happened last time he went to Cabo. He came back and he was really ready to go, in really great shape. I’ve been to where he goes in Cabo.”
In 2017, the two-time rushing champion trained there during his six-game suspension for domestic violence. Elliott certainly didn’t lose a step while on the resort – he totaled 118 yards and added a touchdown in his first game back and racked up 983 rushing yards and seven touchdowns in the 10 games he played that season.
“He’s got a heck of a setup there,” Frederick said. “So I’m certainly not worried about him being in bad shape when he comes back.”
Elliott still has two years and $12,952,137 million remaining on his rookie contract, but wants a new deal sooner rather than later. Elliott has been one of the league’s best running backs since getting drafted fourth overall in the 2016 draft, and has already outperformed his rookie deal. He is owed just $3.85 million in 2019.
The Cowboys brought in veteran running back Alfred Morris, who played for the team in 2016 and 2017, to add another body in training camp on Tuesday. While Frederick said the team “obviously” wants Elliott back with the team, he understands his situation.
“He’s got business to attend to,” Frederick said, pointing out that Elliott already knows the Cowboys’ system. “I certainly understand the business aspect of it.”