Buffalo Bills running back James Cook is not required to report for offseason activities until June 10-12, but participating could signal commitment to training camp in July. There’s been no indication of tension regarding his desired contract extension, despite his impressive performance, including two Pro Bowl selections and a tie for the league lead in rushing touchdowns in 2024. The Bills have historically not extended contracts easily, raising questions about a potential deal worth $15 million per year. For now, Cook aims to focus on football, stating, “However it works out, it works out,” while managing business matters separately.
Cook is still a month away from needing to report for the team’s offseason program, with Buffalo’s mandatory minicamp set for June 10-12. Participation in this event would indicate a positive outlook for his presence at training camp in late July. However, if he chooses not to, it wouldn’t be catastrophic, as it may be a strategic move in contract negotiations.
Neither Beane nor Cook has indicated any tension in recent months regarding Cook’s aspirations for a lucrative contract.
The Bills, while utilizing a variety of backs like Ray Davis and Ty Johnson, are undeniably at their peak with Cook leading the offense. The 25-year-old has achieved two consecutive Pro Bowl selections due to two straight seasons with over 1,000 rushing yards, tying for the league lead in rushing touchdowns in 2024 with 16.
As five-time AFC East champions who have yet to make a postseason breakthrough, Buffalo stands a better chance of succeeding with Cook in their lineup.
Could Buffalo eventually decide to extend him after cutting costs in previous offseasons, even if it means a $15-million-per-year contract that would rank him as the NFL’s third-highest-paid running back? Would Cook consider accepting a lower salary later on?
Even without a contract extension, he could gain from participating in the final year of his rookie deal, and another standout season might solidify his desired price point—whether with the Bills or a different team in 2026.
A resolution is still a ways off.
For the time being, Cook is happy to keep his business and football lives separate.
“However it works out, it works out,” Cook stated when asked about the likelihood of a forthcoming deal. “I just make sure the business remains business, and do whatever I can to always support my teammates. However it goes, it goes. Then we go play football.”