Buffalo Bills running back James Cook surprised many by turning up to the team’s minicamp despite having yet to agree on a new deal. Cook has been vocal about wanting a new contract, with just one year remaining on his rookie deal. The team has tied down several key pieces to long-term deals this offseason, but Cook has, so far, been overlooked.
Bills head coach Sean McDermott has expressed his feelings on the situation after Cook opted against sitting out of workouts to force a new deal.
Buffalo Bills Head Coach Sean McDermott Shares His Thoughts on James Cook Situation
Contract holdouts are a yearly occurrence in the NFL, and each individual decides whether to withhold services. Star pass rushers T.J. Watt and Trey Hendrickson have both stayed away from team activities this offseason as they wait for their respective teams to pay up.
It remains to be seen if Cook continues to attend team workouts, but his head coach expects him to be in attendance. McDermott did, though, reveal that he understands that things aren’t that simple.
“I credit James. Business is business, at the end of the day. I know he loves being around this team and the guys in the locker room, and he loves to play football. So I respect his decision to be here and to be amongst the team.”
When asked whether Cook’s presence at the minicamp was a positive sign regarding the ongoing talks, McDermott played down the significance.
“We’re just taking it one day at a time, yeah, one day at a time. We’ve all been around this league a long time, everyone has their own situations, they’re all different. We need everybody to win, and everybody to practice. So we expect James to be here and to be on time, but also understand his situation.”
The understanding from his coach will no doubt go down well with Cook, who’s 16 rushing touchdowns led the NFL in 2024. Both parties would prefer to avoid a holdout, with the team carrying Super Bowl hopes in 2025.
Cook’s older brother, Dalvin, had varying success with contract disputes during his time with the Minnesota Vikings. After prolonged negotiations, Dalvin received a five-year, $63 million extension in 2020, though the running back remained present throughout. Dalvin rejected a pay cut following the 2022 season, prompting his release from the team.
Dalvin’s career collapsed following his release by Minnesota, and that won’t be lost on his younger brother as he navigates his first veteran negotiation.