Buffalo Bills running back James Cook was back on the field with teammates on Tuesday, a welcome sign amid a continued contract dispute with the team. Cook’s return followed a series of hold-ins that saw him miss the final week of training camp at St. John Fisher University and Buffalo’s first preseason game against the New York Giants.
As was the case during previous media sessions, head coach Sean McDermott announced that he expected Cook to practice after having recently had “good discussions” with Cook. The Pro Bowl running back is seeking a new contract that would make him one of the highest-paid players at his position, somewhere in the neighborhood of $15 million per season after tying for the league lead in touchdowns during 2024.
Cook is on the last year of his rookie deal, and is subject to weekly fines if his hold-in extends to the regular season. His public plea for a new deal began earlier this spring, but he was a full participant during mandatory minicamp and the early portion of training camp. It was on August 3 that Cook began his hold-in, replying only to those who asked about the situation that it was about “business.”
Cook was spotted warming up with the team ahead of preseason action against the Giants, but he didn’t hit the field once action began. General manager Brandon Beane mentioned last week that Cook’s situation was the first time in his tenure with Buffalo that he had a player not participating due to a contract situation.
Reports have said that the two sides are “close” in terms of negotiating, but nothing of substance has been reported since. Many thought that with the Los Angeles Rams giving running back Kyren Williams his new deal that perhaps it could set a benchmark for Cook.
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