The Buffalo Bills were one of the best teams in the NFL in 2024, but once again fell short in the playoffs against the Kansas City Chiefs. Josh Allen led one of the league’s best offenses, but the team’s receiving corps was a weak point after trading away Stefon Diggs in the 2024 offseason.
Now, they could be facing another challenge, this time off the field. Running back James Cook is looking for a new contract, and tensions are brewing between the player and the organization, with PFSN listing it as the biggest storyline to watch entering minicamp.
James Cook’s Contract Situation Is the Biggest Storyline To Watch Heading Into Bills ‘Minicamp
As he enters the final year of his rookie contract, Cook is seeking a long-term extension that aligns him with the league’s top running backs. Thus far, the Bills have been unwilling to meet his contract demands, and PFSN’s Jacob Infante believes things could escalate at the minicamp, which starts from June 10-12.
“James Cook and the Buffalo Bills are in a tough contract standoff,” Infante wrote. “The running back didn’t report to voluntary OTAs, and minicamp is where things could escalate.
“If Cook threatens to sit out into the season, trade rumors could start swirling. For a team that already lost several key weapons this offseason, the Bills can’t afford to let this drag out too long.”
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Cook is unhappy with his contractual situation and has “basically disconnected himself from the organization and the city.” He has even put his house on the market while awaiting a final resolution with the Bills.
“I don’t think we’ll be seeing him in Buffalo anytime soon,” Schefter said. The long-time NFL insider referred to the start of training camp as “the next critical moment” if no deal is in place, noting the fines associated with holding out
After playing collegiately at Georgia, Cook was drafted by the Bills in the second round (No. 63 overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year, $5.83 million contract with $2.39 million guaranteed and an average annual salary of $1.45 million.
According to Spotrac, Cook will earn a base salary of $5,271,000 and a workout bonus of $75,000 in 2025 while carrying a cap hit of $5,701,374 and a dead cap value of $355,374.
To his credit, Cook has significantly outperformed his contract. He has 1,000+ rushing yards in consecutive seasons and scored a league-high 16 touchdowns on the ground last season.
It’s clear why the running back is seeking a pay raise, but it’s also understandable that the team is hesitant to offer him $15 million per season. The Bills have never viewed Cook as a high-volume back, so it doesn’t make sense for them to pay him as if he were one.