According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, Buffalo Bills running back James Cook will not separate himself from the team in the upcoming season.
We can't be sure whether he'll hold out from team activities at some point while not getting a contract extension worked out thus far.
But Rapoport reported on Wednesday that play for the Bills during the 2025 season.
"He will play for the Bills," Rapoport said.
Cook played a major role in the Bills advancing to the AFC Championship Game last season. He turned into a scoring machine as he had a league lead 16 touchdowns on the ground. The 16 touchdowns tied him with Jahmyr Gibbs and Derrick Henry for top honors.
He had an outstanding post season as he averaged over 90 yards per game in Buffalo's first two playoff games. However, he did not touch the ball that often in the AFC Championship Game at Kansas City, which raised eyebrows. The Bills lost the game and their season ended at the hands of the Chiefs once again.
The former Georgia product is entering his fourth NFL season and is in a contract year. He is due $5.3 million this season and is looking for an extension with an annual average value of at least twice that amount.
He has voiced his discontent with the status of the negotiations and the team has pulled the plug on further talks until after the NFL Draft. Brandon Beane, the Bills general manager has extended several players this offseason, including NFL Most Valuable Player, quarterback Josh Allen.
Cook is not happy. He has put his house up for sale in the area and is certainly considering on life as a free agent in 2026.
He became the Bills full-time starter in 2023 and ran for more than 1,000 yards. He became a touchdown producing machine in 2024, although in his first two seasons he combined for only four touchdowns.
