Things are starting to look strange in Buffalo for head coach Sean McDermott and the front office of the Buffalo Bills.
With a heavy contract extension given to franchise quarterback Josh Allen when he agreed upon a six-year, $330 million contract, Buffalo hasn’t been on the same page with everyone on the offensive side of the ball.
Buffalo was fortunate to end the 2024 season with an offense that finished top 10 in total yards.
A large majority of those yards were in the hands of running back James Cook – finishing the season with 1,009 rushing yards, 258 receiving yards and 18 total touchdowns in 2024.
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook (4) against the Kansas City Chiefs during the AFC Championship game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Cook will be going into his fourth year in the NFL and with his progress and development, he has been in search of a new and improved contract extension with the Buffalo Bills.
Bills running back James Cook hasn’t showed up for offseason program
According to ESPN and Sports Illustrated, Cook is reportedly seeking a contract that’s worth around $15 million per year. However, negotiations aren’t looking to play out smoothly with his current team.
Bill beat reporter, Joe Buscaglia mentioned that Bills general manager Brandon Beane said James Cook hasn’t shown up for Buffalo’s offseason program.
“Can’t tell you when he’s definitely coming or not… I mean, it’s voluntary,” Beane said.
Although Beane is unsure if it’s related to Cook’s contract situation, he believes that he will be “ready to go.”
Beane said it would be unfair to say it’s because of contract unrest because Cook hasn’t told them as much.
Beane seems very confident that Cook will be “ready to go”
— Joe Buscaglia (@JoeBuscaglia) April 22, 2025
Currently, Cook’s still playing under the rookie contract that he signed after getting drafted by Buffalo in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
As drama unfolds within the organization, Buffalo could possibly lean on the the potential of running backs Ray Davis, Frank Gore Jr., Ty Johnson and Darrynton Evans as possible replacements for James Cook in the future.
Until then, a contract could be situated between the two parties and all will be the same for the rushing game in Buffalo.
As of now, the fourth year running back will be playing under his rookie contract until further news is reported.