The contract negotiation between Buffalo Bills running back James Cook and the team remains at an impasse as of now. Cook is demanding a deal that pays him $15 million per year, but the Bills have not indicated any willingness to meet that figure, stalling discussions.
At 25 years old and coming off a second consecutive season with over 1,000 rushing yards, Cook believes his on-field performance justifies a significant salary increase. His current contract is not reflective of his emerging status as one of the league’s top running backs, which has prompted him to take a firm stance in negotiations.
A former NFL star suggests an unconventional tactic
Amid the unresolved talks, Hall of Famer Cris Carter, known for his years as a Minnesota Vikings wide receiver, shared a controversial approach for Cook to maintain leverage. Carter suggested that Cook might consider pretending to be injured to remain present with the team during training camp, rather than completely holding out.
Carter believes that physically being with the team, even under the guise of an injury, allows a player to continue conditioning and demonstrate commitment while staying visible. This visibility, Carter argued, can be more advantageous than absence.
You’re better off being there and having your voice heard.
—Cris Carter, Hall of Famer
He further explained this strategy during a media appearance, emphasizing the importance of maintaining conditioning once camp begins.
Having some type of fake injury that allows you to be there with your teammates. Still working on your conditioning, still in a training camp atmosphere mentality because you can’t get that sitting at home. Can’t create that type of heat.
—Cris Carter, Hall of Famer
Carter stressed that maintaining a presence sends a powerful message to the front office, allowing the player to demonstrate readiness and professionalism firsthand. He likened this to a shopping analogy, comparing the impression a player makes to the quality of groceries in a store.
Go there, come up with an injury. And when they work out the business, they look at you every day, too. Walk by them: ‘Oh, I’m in shape. I’m here. Look how good I look.’ What I call it is: check the groceries. What [do] the groceries look like? Does it look like Piggly Wiggly? Does it look like Whole Foods?
—Cris Carter, Hall of Famer
Salary cap challenges and the Bills’ negotiation stance
The Buffalo Bills face difficult financial decisions related to Cook’s contract demands, as meeting his $15 million annual ask would place him alongside the NFL’s highest-paid running backs, including Saquon Barkley, Christian McCaffrey, and Derrick Henry. This would significantly reduce the team’s salary cap flexibility for the rest of the roster.
Brandon Beane, the Bills’ general manager, has openly recognized Cook’s importance to the team but highlighted the challenge of managing the overall payroll within league salary restrictions. Balancing fairness with strategic budgeting is a persistent complication throughout contract talks.
Despite these hurdles, there is no indication from the Bills’ leadership of any dramatic departures like those previously suggested by other players such as Micah Parsons with the Dallas Cowboys. Cook’s representative, agent Zach Hiller, emphasized his client’s commitment to staying with Buffalo.
James Cook only wants to be a Buffalo Bill. This isn’t some $200M Micah Parsons-Jerry Jones negotiation. We’re hopeful there’s a resolution soon, and we’ll keep working toward that every day,
—Zach Hiller, James Cook’s agent
Support from teammates and the broader impact on the team
The team’s star quarterback, Josh Allen, has publicly voiced his support for Cook, reinforcing the running back’s significance to the Buffalo offense.
James is one of the best running backs in the league, and you’d be crazy to say we don’t want him out there.
—Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills quarterback
Allen also underlined the financial stakes for Cook, noting the sizable implications of this contract not only for Cook’s career but for his family’s future.
Hopefully something can get done… This is generational stuff. It’s wealth for you and your family. It’s not a small chunk of change.
—Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills quarterback
While Cris Carter’s advice remains highly unconventional and likely won’t be followed by Cook, it highlights the tensions and unique pressures involved in high-profile NFL contract disputes. The ongoing stalemate affects more than just contract numbers—it influences team dynamics, preparation, and momentum heading into the upcoming season.
The Bills will need to resolve this impasse promptly to ensure Cook is fully integrated into the offense as training camp progresses. How the situation unfolds will play a significant role in Buffalo’s competitiveness and chemistry moving forward.