James Cook is at Buffalo Bills training camp. But he is still looking for a new contract from the Bills.
Cook feels strongly that a deal is coming from Buffalo based on his comments made at training camp Thursday.
Cook, the 63rd pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, has had back-to-back huge seasons as Buffalo’s lead back. He had 1,567 yards from scrimmage in 2023 then put up 1,267 scrimmage yards and tied for an AFC-high 16 rushing touchdowns in 2024.
All that has led Cook to sit out Buffalo’s off-season workouts, OTAs and even mandatory minicamp. But he reported with the rest of the Bills veterans, without a new contract, and is set to play on the final year of his contract at a $5.271 million salary.
What Did James Cook Say About His Contract?
Because he was a second-round pick, Cook does not have a fifth-year option and therefore could become a free agent in March.
So it is imperative for the Bills to lock up Cook if they view him as part of their future, which there is no indication they don’t. Cook feels the same, though he also feels he is worthy of a fair-market deal.
“We have talks,” Cook told ESPN. “I mean, I deserve what I want, I need, and it’s going to eventually happen.”
Still, Alaina Getzenberg, the ESPN Bills beat writer, shared an ominous quote from Cook where he stated that his new contract may not come in Buffalo.
“I mean, however it happens, it’s going to get done,” Cook said. “Wherever it happens at.”
That Cook is in camp bodes well for the Bills, since there are other veterans around the league holding out for new deals. Yet, Cook said he’s participating at practices simply to avoid getting docked pay by not practicing while under contract.
“It’s my job,” Cook said. “I got to participate so I won’t get fined and just come out here and just show them that I’m ready to go and earn what I got to go get.”
Despite all the public posturing, Cook said he wants to be a member of the Bills for life.
“It’s a great organization, and I mean, they drafted me,” Cook said on why he wants to stay in Buffalo. “They drafted me for a reason, I feel like, and I’m willing to be here and spend the rest of my career here.”
What Did Bills Front Office Say About A James Cook Contract Extension?
That Cook is disgruntled is not news to Bills general manager Brandon Beane.
Cook’s off-season holdout was a massive story, and coach Sean McDermott was asked about it in just about every media availability he did this off-season. Plus, various news outlets floated Cook-related trades that never came to fruition.
Yet, Cook is at camp, and Beane expressed optimism that he would remain with the Bills long-term.
“Sometimes you can’t get on the same page or sometimes you’re trying to fit it in,” Beane said. “There’s times guys have left here that we really wanted. We just couldn’t make it work. But I can tell you, I’m hopeful, when we’re sitting here at next year’s training camp that James Cook is out there practicing and still representing the red, white and blue.”
