Buffalo Bills General Manager Brandon Beane handed out several contracts this offseason, but running back James Cook has not been a recipient and is waiting for a deal. Now, Beane has clarified his feelings on his relationship with the RB.
James Cook Participates in Mini Camp
There haven’t been many rumors circling the Bills, who have assembled one of the most solid cultures in the league. However, Cook stirred the pot earlier this year when he expressed his desire to make $15 million yearly on social media.
The demand created controversy, as the figure he named is up there with the league’s best runners like Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry. Questions about whether Cook would show up for mandatory mini-camp, or practice if he does, began to circulate.
After showing up for his team and taking reps on the practice field, Cook squashed the rumors. When asked precisely why he decided to show, Cook simply stated, “I like my money,” referencing the fines he would face had he skipped camp.
It’s not all about the money, though. Cook expressed being a good leader and teammate while he was there, but of course, this left some questions about how the Bills front office might view everything. Now, following the final day of camp, GM Beane has made his feelings clear on the matter.
Brandon Beane On James Cook Contract
Long-time Bills analyst Chris Brown, who posted an update on X, said, “The relationship is very good, and he’ll be ready to go when we get to training camp.”
Beane: Cook is a pro, competitive, wants to win and we understand he also wants to take care of himself. It’s good to see him and you can tell he’s been working. The relationship is very good and he’ll be ready to go when we get to training camp. #Bills
— Chris Brown (@ChrisBrownBills) June 12, 2025
Brown started his post captioning Beane’s words: “Beane: Cook is a pro, competitive, wants to win and we understand he also wants to take care of himself. It’s good to see him and you can tell he’s been working.”
A post by UnderdogNFL elaborated on Beane’s statements, adding that the GM said, “We know we need to fit things within the cap and the cash structure and all those things. … The relationship’s very good, and I know Jimbo’s going to be ready to go when we get to [training camp].”
GM Beane on James Cook, who wants a new contract:
“We know we need to fit things within the cap and the cash structure and all those things. … The relationship’s very good, and I know Jimbo’s going to be ready to go when we get to [training camp].”
— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) June 12, 2025
As reported earlier at PFSN, Cook took his game to another level in 2024, making the Pro Bowl again and appearing in all but one game. He tied Henry and Jahmyr Gibbs for the league lead in rushing touchdowns with 16, and posted 1,009 rushing yards, 32 catches, 258 receiving yards, and two scores through the air.
Understandably, Cook now wants a new deal, and a big one as he enters the final year of his rookie deal. Earlier this offseason, he posted on social media that he wanted $15 million per year, making him the third-highest paid RB in the league.
Still, while showing up and participating in mini-camp means a lot, the deal he wants is unlikely to happen, as he will likely have to post another season of over 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns to convince the Bills of that number.