1 obvious Buffalo Bills trade candidate entering 2025 training camp

As the Buffalo Bills prepare for the 2025 NFL training camp, one storyline has overshadowed all others, the contract standoff with star running back James Cook. Despite back-to-back Pro Bowl seasons and a pivotal role in Buffalo’s high-powered offense, Cook enters camp as the most obvious trade candidate on the roster—a situation that could reshape the Bills’ backfield and impact their Super Bowl aspirations.

The Centerpiece of Buffalo’s Offense and Its Dilemma

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook (4) during Minicamp at Highmark Stadium. Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

James Cook’s ascent has been undeniable. Over the past two seasons, he’s posted consecutive 1,000-yard rushing campaigns and led the NFL with 16 rushing touchdowns in 2024, adding two more as a receiver. His efficiency, nearly five yards per carry, has made him one of the league’s most dynamic dual-threat backs. Yet, as he enters the final year of his rookie deal, Cook is seeking a contract extension that would place him among the NFL’s highest-paid running backs, reportedly in the $15 million per year range.

The Bills, meanwhile, are facing a salary cap crunch, with only $4-5 million in cap space and a roster built around quarterback Josh Allen’s massive contract. The question isn’t whether Cook deserves a raise—his production speaks for itself—but whether the Bills can afford to pay top dollar for a running back in today’s NFL.

The tension has become increasingly public. Cook skipped voluntary OTAs, reportedly listed his Buffalo home for sale, and has “disconnected himself from the organization and the city,” according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. While he’s participated in mandatory minicamp, the specter of a holdout looms if no deal is reached before training camp.

General manager Brandon Beane has acknowledged the gap in negotiations, and analysts agree that the Bills are unlikely to meet Cook’s asking price. The team’s committee approach at running back, with emerging talent Ray Davis and pass-catching specialist Ty Johnson waiting in the wings, further complicates the picture. Head coach Sean McDermott has shown a willingness to rotate backs, making it less likely the Bills will commit premium resources to a single player in the backfield.

Why Cook Is the Obvious Trade Candidate

Cook’s request for $15 million annually would make him the third-highest paid running back in the league, tying him with Derrick Henry and trailing only Saquon Barkley and Christian McCaffrey. The Bills have signaled they’re unwilling to go that high, especially given the volatility and short shelf life of the position.

With limited financial flexibility, Buffalo must consider reallocating resources to other areas, such as the offensive line or secondary, to support a deep playoff run. Rookie Ray Davis and veteran Ty Johnson provide viable alternatives, and the 2025 running back draft class is considered one of the deepest in years, making it easier for Buffalo to replace Cook if necessary.

Cook’s age (25), production, and contract status make him a valuable trade asset. His value may never be higher than it is right now, coming off a league-leading touchdown season.

Potential Trade Scenarios and Landing Spots

Several teams have been linked to Cook in trade speculation, including the Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears, and Washington Commanders. A trade could net the Bills a combination of draft picks and a veteran running back or depth player, providing both immediate and future value.

For example, a proposed deal with the Bears would send Cook to Chicago in exchange for D’Andre Swift and a 2026 fourth-round pick. Another scenario has the Commanders acquiring Cook for multiple mid-round selections, bolstering their offense around rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. The Cowboys, still searching for stability at running back, have also been named as a logical destination.

If Cook remains on the roster, the Bills risk a protracted holdout or a disgruntled star playing out his contract before departing in free agency. To justify his price tag, Cook would need to deliver another monster season, think 1,500 rushing yards, 350 receiving yards, and 15-plus touchdowns. Anything less could reinforce the front office’s reluctance to pay elite money for a running back.

James Cook’s contract standoff has become the defining issue of Buffalo’s offseason. With the team unwilling to meet his demands, ample backfield depth, and a robust trade market, Cook stands out as the most obvious trade candidate entering 2025 training camp. Whether the Bills move him now or gamble on one more year of production, the decision will have major implications for both the franchise’s present and future.

For now, all eyes are on Orchard Park as the Bills weigh their options, knowing that the clock is ticking on James Cook’s time in Buffalo. The next few weeks could determine whether he remains a cornerstone of the offense or the centerpiece of a blockbuster summer trade.