The Buffalo Bills and James Cook appear to be heading for a separation with the running back wanting a new deal, but so far, the franchise doesn't want to engage in talks.
With a host of other stars signing extensions, including Khalil Shakir, Greg Rousseau, Christian Benford, Terrel Bernard, and Josh Allen, Cook must be wondering what he has to do to get a new contract.
Set to play on his rookie deal, Cook reportedly wanted roughly $15 million APY, which is too steep for Buffalo right now.
But with NFL Network's Ian Rapoport stating that things "aren't great" between franchise and player and that Cook will be a Bill in 2025, it will be fascinating to watch over the coming months as training camp approaches.
For NFL.com's Jeffri Chadiha, what happens with Cook is the biggest burning question aimed at Buffalo.
"The Bills have been throwing a lot of money around this offseason, giving new deals to quarterback Josh Allen, wide receiver Khalil Shakir, defensive end Gregory Rousseau, linebacker Terrel Bernard and cornerback Christian Benford," Chadiha writes.
"Unfortunately for Cook, there don't seem to be any signs he'll be joining that group in the near future. The problem is, the draft is flush with running back talent, and the Bills have Cook on his rookie deal for one more season, with the option to franchise-tag him after that. In other words, believe Beane. A resolution on this situation will take some time."
A resolution will take some time, but we must also be ready for no resolution at all, with the draft providing Buffalo with the chance to potentially select James' successor.
Cook is coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, and last year, he posted 16 rushing touchdowns in the regular season, plus another three in the playoffs, so he warrants a new deal.
But it is becoming clear that it won't be happening this offseason, which means playing on the final year of his rookie deal, and that is something players often don't want to happen.
However, for Cook, that appears to be his reality in 2025, and where that leaves the relationship between him and the franchise is, as Rapoport stated, not in a great place.
