James Cook was the bellcow for the Buffalo Bills in 2024. Josh Allen won the MVP, but the running back didn’t win a new contract. Cook hasn’t been quiet about his contract situation this offseason.
The back racked up 16 touchdowns but is still waiting for perhaps the biggest score of his career as he heads into the fourth season of his career. His fourth year is kicking off with a potential statement.
James Cook One of Only Two Buffalo Bills Players Not 100% Available for OTAs
Taking to X on May 27, NFL insider Tom Pelissero relayed that head coach Sean McDermott noted that Cook was not present for OTAs. Only Cook and pass rusher Joey Bosa are out for the moment.
“Bills coach Sean McDermott says all players are present for OTAs except RB James Cook, while Joey Bosa pulled a calf and will be out for the foreseeable future,” Pelissero posted.
#Bills coach Sean McDermott says all players are present for OTAs except RB James Cook, while Joey Bosa pulled a calf and will be out for the foreseeable future.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 27, 2025
With Cook out of the picture, the next question is how long the absence will continue. The goal of any holdout is to leverage the team into a conversation ending with a new contract extension.
With it being just OTAs, the apparent holdout could continue for quite some time. The decision will be up to Cook, but if he misses OTAs entirely, the next arena could be in training camp near the end of July.
Time Limit Ratchets Up Pressure for Bills to Ink Cook’s New Deal
The Bills don’t exactly have forever to settle the issue with their running back. As a second-round pick, Cook doesn’t have access to the fifth-year option many stars have. According to Spotrac, 2025 will be the final year of his rookie deal, with no simple solution or clause available to invoke to buy more time.
The Bills will be forced to choose between signing Cook, allowing him to test free agency after the season, or using their franchise tag to keep him around for one more season.
Of course, the franchise tag is set to come with what would appear to be a raise for Cook, so one way or the other, he will get a bump to his pay in 2026, assuming things go smoothly in 2025.
However, the question is whether Cook will get his raise from the Bills or go through the process of the free agency market instead. For now, the running back appears to have chosen to hold out.
How long will the holdout last?