PITTSFORD, N.Y. — As training camp kicked off on July 23, running back James Cook was all in. He showed up on time and participated fully in the first eight practices. Coach Sean McDermott even said, “He’s ready to go.”
But then, everything changed on the ninth day.
Cook didn’t practice, and that caught everyone off guard. The Buffalo Bills had already given some players “vet rest” days, so many assumed that was the case. Cook’s absence, however, turned out to be more serious. He referred to this situation as “business,” raising eyebrows all around the team.
Cook is in the last year of his rookie deal, making just over $5 million. After an impressive season where he scored 16 rushing touchdowns and broke the 1,000-yard mark, he’s clearly eyeing a better contract. This hasn’t just stirred discussions; it’s become a daily distraction for a team aiming for its first Super Bowl title.
While Cook is cherished among his teammates and coaches, his sudden decision to hold out is puzzling. Just a day before he announced his hold-in, he stated: “I didn’t really think about it. I just knew I was going to come out here and work.” So, what shifted his mindset so quickly?
According to his agent, Zac Hiller, Cook wants nothing more than to stay in Buffalo. Yet, the current negotiations suggest differing views on his value.
After the Bills’ playoff exit last season, they moved quickly to extend contracts for several players, all entering the final year of their rookie deals. But Cook had stirred the pot by implying he wanted a hefty $15 million annual salary, a sum that would place him among the NFL’s top running backs.
General Manager Brandon Beane acknowledged during training camp that managing salaries and cap space is intricate. The Bills not only have to consider this season but also future seasons, making negotiations complex.
Recently, the Los Angeles Rams signed running back Kyren Williams to a three-year extension averaging $11 million annually. While Cook’s stats put him in the mix, the Bills haven’t used him as heavily as the Rams have used Williams, which complicates his value. Most teams weigh workload heavily when deciding contracts, and Cook might not be looked at as a three-down back right now.
Given that both sides want Cook to stay in Buffalo, there remains a possibility he will return to practice before the season. The Bills have dealt with contract tensions before, so they might offer a shorter-term deal with performance bonuses to bridge the gap for Cook without making a full commitment.
In terms of potential trades? There’s no signal the Bills are even considering that. Both sides want this to work.
For now, Cook’s future remains a waiting game, and how this unfolds could have significant implications for both him and the team. With time to go before the regular season starts, the coming weeks will reveal whether they can strike a balanced agreement, or if this hold-in stretches on longer than anticipated.
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