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Bills' Josh Allen Reveals 'Understanding' Thoughts On James Cook

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Adam Schultz | Last updated Apr 23, 2025 6:52 PM ET

The Buffalo Bills have begun their offseason work with a host of players making their way into the facility this week, but running back James Cook wasn't one of them.

Looking for a new contract, Cook reportedly wants roughly $15 million APY, which would make him one of the highest-paid backs in football.

Now, Cook not being at the early part of the offseason work isn't a big deal given that it is voluntary, but it has put into focus the business side of football, and it is clear that Cook wants to get this contract situation sorted out sooner rather than later.

But what does the contract saga do to the locker room? For quarterback Josh Allen, they understand this side of the football business.

"I think the guys in this locker room understand the business side of it," Allen said. "I'm not the GM, I'm not the head coach, I feel like I have to wear a few different hats among the locker room but that's not one of them. I just try to make sure that I'm focusing on what I can control and making sure that the guys that are here are getting the work done. I know James is working out and getting the work done, and hoping that it gets figured out, but it'll get figured out when it gets figured out.

"We understand the business side of it.”

So while Cook not being present to begin the offseason work isn't a big deal, but if we get to training camp and he still isn't out on the field and his holding out, then the Bills might have a problem.

There have been rumors that the Bills could be looking to deal Cook during the draft or shortly after, but we aren't sure how many teams would want to trade for a back, and then, in a year, sign him to a new contract. We imagine James would have his suitors, but this saga doesn't appear to be ending anytime soon.

But the locker room knows where Cook is coming from, and this is just another element of the business side of football that is being revealed.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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