Sean McDermott Sends Strong Message to James Cook at Bills Minicamp

James Cook is at Buffalo Bills minicamp, and Sean McDermott is ecstatic about it.

The Bills running back, who has been the subject of trade scuttlebutt amid contract disputes, earned praise from the veteran Buffalo coach for reporting to mandatory practices this week despite his frustrations of not getting a new deal.

Cook, who had 16 rushing touchdowns in 2024 and posted 1,267 all-purpose yards last year, is due to make $5.271 million in 2025 before becoming an unrestricted free agent.

After a lucrative off-season for running backs — Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry each signed contracts with $36 million and $24 million guaranteed money, respectively — the Bills’ two-time Pro Bowler back wants to cash in off his elite season.

What Did Sean McDermott Say About James Cook Attending Minicamp?

Before even taking any questions at his minicamp-opening press availability, McDermott pre-emptively stated his excitement about Cook being at camp.

“I really appreciate him being here,” McDermott said.

Cook was conspicuously absent at the team’s OTAs and off-season workouts while he and the Bills try to come together on a new deal. Cook trade rumors have been expansive, and he’s been linked to almost every team.

Still, McDermott especially appreciated Cook putting all those rumors, and the lack of a new contract, on the back burner to participate in mandatory minicamp — rather than taking a fine, which some high-profile holdouts prefer to do.

“I credit James,” McDermott said. “Business is business, but at the end of the day, I know he loves being around this team and the guys in this locker room, and he loves to play football. So I respect his decision to be here and be amongst the team and get some work in, and we’re looking forward to that.”

But don’t take Cook reporting to minicamp as a sign that he’s given up his quest for a new contract.

“We’re just taking it one day at a time,” McDermott said. “We need everybody to win, and we need everybody to practice. We expect James to be [at training camp], and be there on time, but we also understand his situation.”

What Else Did McDermott Say At His Press Conference?

McDermott unveiled the Bills’ signing of linebacker Shaq Thompson, a veteran who spent his first 10 seasons with the Carolina Panthers but was a limited participant due to off-season surgery.

McDermott also unveiled a list of non-participants due to injury, including free agent signing Joey Bosa and 2024 starting safety Damar Hamlin. But he does not anticipate any of those injuries keeping players out of training camp, which starts next month.

“Not at this point,” McDermott said of if there would be any prolonged injuries. “Things come up — hopefully not but they do come up over that summer break — so part of it is you get a tweak here or a tweak here … so even the smallest things we can get out in front of.”

McDermott also credited quarterback Josh Allen, who was at minicamp despite getting married over the weekend to girlfriend Hailee Steinfeld.

“Life comes up, and it’s been fun to watch him grow,” McDermott said. “But I really appreciate him being here, because this is his team and he is our unquestioned leader and what he does is first and foremost lead by example.”