Buffalo Bills star running back James Cook is trying to get a new contract and has missed voluntary team workouts to express his position. However, general manager Brandon Beane is not concerned and believes Cook will be ready to play when the NFL season starts.
Brandon Beane Believes James Cook’s Desire To Play Football Will Prevail
Beane was a guest on the May 7 edition of “Mad Dog Sports Radio” and gave an update on the Bills RB. Beane said that he understood Cook missing the first dates of organized team activities (OTAs).
“Sometimes, business gets in the way, we understand that.”
He also expressed confidence that Cook will be ready to go when the season commences.
“I know we’ve had people in the building that he’s been talking with, and I have no doubt when it’s time to play football, he’ll be ready to roll.”
Beane also praised Cook for surpassing expectations.
“Jimbo, he is a competitive dude. He loves playing for this team. He loves being a part of it. He loves his role here. And he fits this offense really well. I think it’s been a great fit for him, and it’s been fun to watch him the first three years,” Beane said.
“Every year, he’s taken a step, and to see him get the accolades he got last season was cool. … Where he’s come from, he was looked at as kind of maybe a third-down back or a change-of-pace back, and he proved he could play on all downs. And he’ll continue to work on that.”
Cook Looks for Contract Extension
Beane did not give an update on Cook’s contract negotiations. The Buffalo running back is in the final year of his rookie contract and is looking to get paid during this offseason.
Cook has indicated that he is seeking $15 million annually in a new contract extension. That figure would put him third in average annual salary, behind the Philadelphia Eagles’ Saquon Barkley and the San Francisco 49ers’ Christian McCaffrey, as well as ahead of Jonathan Taylor of the Indianapolis Colts.
Cook has put up 1,000-yard rushing campaigns in the past two seasons, making it to the Pro Bowl on both occasions. He was also the joint leader for rushing touchdowns last season with 16.
Cook is a pivotal workhorse for the Bills, and his 4.9 yards per carry last season places him sixth among running backs. However, the Bills hold the leverage as they still have the option to use the franchise tag on him twice in 2026 and 2027 before he can test the market in free agency.