Buffalo Bills running back James Cook has chosen to sit out the team’s voluntary organized team activities as part of an initial holdout, seeking a new contract extension. This move comes ahead of the 2025 NFL season as Cook attempts to leverage his performance and value for a more lucrative deal with the Bills.
Team and Insiders Weigh In on Contract Negotiations
NFL analyst James Palmer from Bleacher Report notes that the situation “isn’t serious, yet,” emphasizing that communication between Cook and the Bills remains ongoing. Buffalo’s management expects Cook to participate in this season’s games and there are no indications that the running back is interested in a trade. Palmer highlights the upcoming mandatory minicamp as a critical moment to observe Cook’s commitment and approach to the ongoing dispute.
“Mandatory minicamp, I will believe, is going to be the first real test of how James Cook is going to approach this. Is he going to miss out on some money? Is he going to start making things uncomfortable in a situation where they have a team that is favored in every single game this year, has Super Bowl aspirations?…Does he start to hold in during training camp? Does he start to try to make things difficult?”
—James Palmer, NFL Insider
Cook’s Performance and Contract Details Highlight the Stakes
James Cook, entering his 26-year-old season, has earned two straight Pro Bowl selections. He tied for the NFL lead in rushing touchdowns last year and has maintained an average of over 1,400 scrimmage yards per season since 2023. These impressive statistics fuel Cook’s claim for a high-value contract extension. However, according to Spotrac, his current contract for 2025 includes a $5.271 million base salary, a $355,374 signing bonus, and a $5.701 million cap hit. His contract runs through the 2025 season, making him a free agent in 2026.
Buffalo Bills’ History With Running Backs and Internal Competition
The Bills organization has a history of viewing running backs as replaceable pieces, which adds strain to Cook’s negotiations. Cook took over the role from Devin Singletary, who had replaced LeSean McCoy before him. Additionally, Buffalo has promising talent behind Cook, including Ray Davis, who displayed notable performances during key games in the prior season, contributing solid rushing yards and yards per carry.
Cook’s 2024 season statistics listed by ESPN include 1,009 rushing yards with an average of 4.9 yards per carry, 16 rushing touchdowns, and just one fumble on 207 carries. He also caught 32 passes for 258 receiving yards and two touchdowns, averaging 8.1 yards per reception.
Extension Demands May Exceed Buffalo’s Budget Limits
Cook reportedly aims for a multi-year extension averaging $15 million annually, a figure that likely exceeds what the Buffalo front office is willing to offer. Bills general manager Brandon Beane indicated in March that a contract extension for Cook was not expected in the near future. Without an agreement, Cook may be forced to complete the final year of his current deal and enter free agency next offseason, leaving his long-term future with the Bills uncertain.
What Lies Ahead for James Cook and Buffalo Bills
The resolution of James Cook’s contract holdout will be pivotal for both parties as the Bills prepare for a season filled with Super Bowl hopes. How Cook navigates mandatory minicamp and training camp will be crucial in determining whether he can secure the contract extension he seeks, or if the team’s stance on running backs remains unchanged. With the team’s aspirations and the player’s proven value, the coming weeks will be important for shaping Buffalo’s roster and Cook’s career trajectory.