ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Buffalo Bills running back James Cook put his financial aspirations temporarily on hold by participating in the initiating session of the team’s mandatory three-day practice series on Tuesday. In doing so, Cook dodged potential fines that could arise from absence.
Head coach Sean McDermott expressed his appreciation for Cook’s presence, emphasizing that unity is essential for the team’s overall success. “Business is business at the end of the day, and I respect his decision to be here and be amongst the team,” McDermott stated prior to practice. “We need everyone to win.”
Cook’s decision to attend comes amidst his public efforts to secure a contract extension as he approaches the final year of his rookie contract. Leading the NFL in rushing touchdowns with 16 the previous season, Cook had missed all six of the Bills’ voluntary spring training sessions and workouts, which extended over a month.
The Bills had chosen Cook in the second round of the 2022 NFL draft out of Georgia. His brother, Dalvin Cook, is a recognized NFL player who spent most of his career with the Minnesota Vikings, subsequently playing briefly with Dallas last year.
Back in February, Cook hinted at his desired compensation through social media by posting “15 mill year” on Instagram. Following this, he reiterated his financial ambitions during a podcast with former NFL players Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson, declaring, “Pay me the big bucks,” and stressing his position in negotiations with: “I want to get what I asked for.” He also advocated for better pay for running backs in the league, questioning their undervaluation.
Cook had even put his Buffalo-area home on the market in April, signaling his willingness to leave if necessary General Manager Brandon Beane repeatedly spoke about his admiration and appreciation for Cook, explaining that while negotiations were ongoing, both sides had yet to find common ground.
In late March, Beane had publicly announced a pause in the contract discussions, focusing instead on the upcoming draft. “Just because we don’t have James signed today doesn’t mean next year we still can’t get him done before he gets to free agency,” Beane mentioned. “We want him to have success. We’re rooting for him … But we are where we are, and there’s no hard feelings from us.”
Though many of Cook’s teammates—like quarterback Josh Allen, receiver Khalil Shakir, edge rusher Greg Rousseau, linebacker Terrel Bernard, and cornerback Christian Benford—received multiyear extensions, Cook found himself without a new deal.
His impressive 16 rushing touchdowns tied the Bills’ single-season record set by O.J. Simpson. Cook’s contributions extended beyond those plays, netting two additional touchdowns via receptions as Buffalo’s offense ranked second in the league, boasting an average of over 30 points per game.
Cook’s significant uptick in productivity came alongside Joe Brady’s inaugural full season as the team’s offensive coordinator, with the strategy aiming to reduce quarterback Josh Allen’s rushing attempts to minimize injury risks.