Buffalo Bills running back James Cook has altered his approach to securing a multi-year contract extension after choosing not to attend Sunday’s team practice, a decision he described as a business move. As of early August, discussions between Cook and the Bills remain active, with no indication of a collapse in negotiations, according to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero.

Insights from NFL Network on the Contract Situation

Tom Pelissero, sharing updates with NFL.com reporter Bobby Kownack, emphasized that both parties have maintained engagement throughout the talks. Pelissero explained that while Cook participated fully in training camp practices until Sunday, the brief absence was linked to his contractual considerations rather than a breakdown in talks.

“The sides have been engaged,” Pelissero said about Cook and the Bills, as shared by Bobby Kownack of the NFL’s website. “From my understanding, they have not been that far apart through the course of the talks. James Cook did show up and was fully participating in practice during training camp until [Sunday]. …My understanding of where things stand here is, again, these sides have been in talks for a long time, they have not been that far off, but this is kind of like fourth-and-goal in the AFC Championship Game. Is James Cook going to get them across the goal line? Are the Bills going to be able to do their part to back it up?”

Pelissero also noted the strategic nature of Cook’s temporary absence from practice, underscoring the need for a focused environment when a player’s mind is partly occupied by contract talks.

“This is not a situation where the sides are completely breaking down,” Pelissero added during the segment. “It does make some sense if James Cook has these contract negotiations hovering over his head, that it would make sense for everybody to not have him practicing when he’s not necessarily locked in solely on football. We’ve seen injuries happen around the NFL.”

Performance and Team Depth Behind Cook

James Cook enters the upcoming season in the final year of his rookie contract. He has previously indicated that his goal is to secure an extension averaging at least $15 million annually. Statistical data from StatMuse ranks Cook ninth in regular-season rushing yards over the last two years, with a total of 2,131 yards. ESPN reports that last season Cook tied for the league lead with 16 rushing touchdowns.

Supporting Cook on the Bills’ depth chart are running backs Ray Davis and Ty Johnson. Davis recorded 442 yards and three touchdowns on 113 carries last season, while Johnson contributed 213 yards and one touchdown on 41 attempts. This depth provides Buffalo with reliable options beyond their leading rusher.

Super Bowl Aspirations and Upcoming Season Outlook

As of Monday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook lists the Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens tied as the top favorites to win Super Bowl LX, each with +600 odds. This favorable positioning suggests that the Bills are motivated to keep key players, especially Cook, content and ready as they prepare for a high-profile opener against the Ravens on September 7.

The Bills’ management appears determined to avoid any internal discord that could jeopardize their chances, aiming to have a fully engaged James Cook on the field when the regular season begins under the spotlight of a primetime matchup.

Comparisons and Player Standings Amid NFL Contract Discussions

Unlike high-profile players such as Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin and Dallas Cowboys defensive star Micah Parsons, James Cook has not made any public requests for a trade this summer. While the contract situation remains unresolved, Buffalo’s approach indicates a preference for resolution over confrontation, preserving team unity and competitiveness.

At 25 years old, Cook is expected to remain an integral part of the Bills’ offense, with the organization likely to make efforts to secure his services long-term without disrupting team dynamics.