Sports
James Cook is looking to be paid like one of the NFL’s elite running backs, but the Buffalo Bills may not be ready to open the checkbook-at least not yet.
As the 2025 season approaches, Cook‘s contract situation is becoming increasingly noticeable, even if the team continues to downplay the potential for a holdout.
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Cook, who has reportedly set his sights on an annual salary around $15 million, has so far remained absent from the Bills‘ voluntary offseason workouts. While that’s not uncommon, especially for veterans or contract-focused players, attention will shift quickly if he’s also missing when mandatory mini-camp and training camp arrive.
With the Bills already managing a crowded payroll and having committed long-term money to other foundational players, Cook‘s big payday might have to wait until next offseason-unless something changes drastically.
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Still, general manager Brandon Beane doesn’t seem too worried. Speaking with Adam Schein on Mad Dog Sports Radio, Beane projected calm confidence:
“I know we’ve had people in the building that he’s been talking with, and I have no doubts when it’s time to play football, he’ll be ready to roll.”
Will Cook’s patience run out before Buffalo opens the vault?
That’s the public stance for now. But should Cook skip mandatory activities or show up while refusing to participate-a so-called “hold-in”-the narrative could shift quickly. This isn’t just about appearances at practice; it’s about whether one of the NFL’s most productive young backs feels respected and valued in the Bills‘ system.
After all, Cook is coming off a historic season, tying the franchise record for rushing touchdowns in a single year with 16. Add to that his back-to-back 1,000-yard campaigns and consecutive Pro Bowl nods, and it’s easy to see why he’s looking for compensation that matches his production.
The problem is the timing. The NFL’s current landscape is unforgiving to running backs seeking premium deals, and the Bills may be wary of overcommitting at a position where value often fades quickly. Still, there’s no denying Cook‘s impact on the field-and the potential consequences of alienating one of the offense’s key contributors.
For now, Buffalo’s brass appears unfazed, believing that Cook will ultimately report and perform regardless of contract status. But if the front office expects business as usual, it may soon need to reconsider how far it’s willing to go to keep its star runner happy-and in the building.
This news was originally published on this post .
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