James Cook let it be known this offseason that he was looking for a contract extension and massive payday.
The running back and the Buffalo Bills were not able to find common ground on a new deal. Cook indicated that he was looking for $15 million per year on average. Buffalo clearly did not meet him at this figure as no extension was signed.
Cook, to his credit, attended mandatory mini camp and training camp at St. John Fisher University. To this point, Cook had been a full participant each day.
That changed on Sunday.
Cook was dressed in street clothes at the practice, but the team did not list him as having a vet rest day. Following Sunday’s practice, Cook was asked why he did not participate with the team.
His answer? Business.
Continue to repeat the one word when asked if you would practice on Monday.
It’s unknown what exactly changed since Cook part participated in the team’s Return of the Blue & Red scrimmage on Friday night, but a lack of progress in contract talks could be why the back is suddenly having a hold-in of sorts at Bills training camp.
Prior to Sunday, Cook noted that he was practicing to avoid fines and show that he‘s ready for the 2025 seasons.
“It’s my job,” Cook told the media. “I’ve got to participate so I won’t get fined. It’s just come out here and show them that I’m ready to go and earn what I’ve got to go get. I don’t owe it to nobody but my teammates and myself and my family. So by me participating, showing my teammates that I love the game and that I’m willing to be out here.”
Cook is coming off a season in which he scored 18 total touchdowns in the regular season while rushing for 1,009 yards on 207 carries (4.9 YPC). He added 258 yards receiving on 32 receptions.
Following his breakout season, Cook and his reps were likely hoping to cash in. Buffalo, however, was likely hesitant to pay top dollar for a back who previously had a career-high six total touchdowns before the 2024 seasons. Backs that typically make $15 million dollars per season on average are also three-down backs. To this point in his career, Cook has been a part of a running back by committee.
Time will tell how long the standoff between Cook and the team lasts, but Hard Knocks now has a juicy storyline to pursue.
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