The Buffalo Bills face uncertainty as running back James Cook remains in a contract standoff. After a breakout season where Cook carried the ball 207 times for 1,009 yards and scored 16 touchdowns in 16 games, he has emerged as a key offensive player. Cook played a significant role in helping the Bills reach the AFC Championship Game, where they fell to the Kansas City Chiefs.
During the offseason, the Bills secured big contracts for quarterback Josh Allen and several 2022 draft picks like linebacker Terrel Bernard, wide receiver Khalil Shakir, and cornerback Christian Benford. However, Cook, entering the final year of his current contract, has requested a salary of $15 million per year. The team’s management has so far declined to meet that demand, placing Cook in a difficult position.
Cook skipped the voluntary offseason activities in late May, raising concerns for the Bills ahead of their mandatory minicamp scheduled for June 10-12. NFL insider Adam Schefter recently reported that Cook is likely to stay away from team activities for the foreseeable future. According to Schefter, Cook appears disconnected from the team and city, even putting his house up for sale. The start of training camp will be a crucial moment to see if a resolution can be reached or if Cook will face penalties for missing camp under the league’s collective bargaining agreement.
Schefter also contrasted how other teams have handled contract negotiations with star running backs. While the Philadelphia Eagles extended Saquon Barkley and the Baltimore Ravens rewarded Derrick Henry, the Bills have yet to offer a new deal to Cook. Despite his value to the offense, Cook remains unsigned.
The running back market has shifted significantly due to the strong performances of Barkley, Henry, and Cook during the 2024 season. All three helped lead their teams to playoff success, but only Barkley and Henry have secured new contracts so far, leaving Cook’s future with the Bills uncertain.
