Buffalo Bills’ running back James Cook has been in a contract dispute with the team this offseason as he enters the final year of his rookie deal. While he had been taking part in training camp earlier, Cook took a stand today by sitting out of practice. When asked why he didn’t participate, he added more fuel to the controversy with a simple, one-word answer.
James Cook Sparks Controversy as Contract Dispute Keeps Him Out of Practice
Cook has been a key part of Buffalo’s offense since the team selected him in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. After a solid rookie season with 507 rushing yards, he broke out in 2023 with 1,122 yards on the ground. He followed that up with a strong 2024 campaign, rushing for 1,009 yards and a career-high 16 touchdowns.
After the success he’s had during his rookie contract, which expires at the end of this season, Cook has been pushing for an extension. However, the two sides have yet to find common ground in negotiations.
Cook had previously said he was committed to practicing and planned to earn a new contract through his camp performance. However, he changed his tone today by choosing not to participate in practice.
While it was initially speculated that his absence might be due to an injury or something minor, Bills reporter Alaina Getzenberg noted that the star running back cleared things up with a one-word answer after practice when asked why he sat out.
Add James Cook to the list of Bills players not practicing. pic.twitter.com/LTxxJgYOaK
— Matt Parrino (@MattParrino) August 3, 2025
“Business,” Cook said.
It’s clear that Cook has grown frustrated with the organization and is now taking what he sees as the next step in pressuring the Bills to offer him the contract he believes he deserves.
Bills RB James Cook asked why he didn’t practice today?
“Business.”
Followed up with if he’ll practice tomorrow: “Business.”
Kept repeating “business” over and over.
— Alaina Getzenberg (@agetzenberg) August 3, 2025
Contract disputes have been a recurring theme this offseason. Cowboys pass rusher Micah Parsons and Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin have already requested trades after failing to secure extensions with their respective teams.
Given Cook’s sudden shift in tone from his earlier training camp comments, it’s not far-fetched to think a trade request could be on the horizon.
The top running backs in the NFL make more than $12 million a year, while Cook is set to earn just under $1.5 million in 2025. Given his production, he has earned a big payday. If the Bills aren’t willing to pay, a trade could happen down the line.
No matter what happens next, Cook has lost patience with Buffalo and seems determined not to play until he gets the contract he wants, whether that comes from the Bills or another team.
