James Cook Makes Pivotal Decision Amid Bills Contract Negotiations

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kade R. Kimble | Last updated Apr 23, 2025 10:41 AM ET

Voluntary offseason workouts are here across the NFL, meaning teams are coming together to do some work.

This can be an awkward moment for teams who have unsettled contract negotiations with star players.

The Buffalo Bills are headed into that exact situation. They've yet to settle a deal with 25-year-old star running back James Cook.

The Georgia product is headed into the final year of his $6 million rookie contract. With this, the Bills' running back is aiming to get an average of $15 million or more per year on his new deal.

Will Buffalo pay the steep price for the star running back?

Bills general manager Brandon Beane has traditionally opted to draft running backs to replace the former.

While the club may opt to trade the star altogether -- or pony up and pay him what he believes to be worth -- it's not going to come without some theatrics.

With voluntary workouts underway, Cook is nowhere to be seen, as ESPN's Adam Schefter reported.

"Buffalo Pro-Bowl running back James Cook did not report to the start of the Bills’ voluntary offseason program. Cook is heading into the final year of his rookie contract and would like a new deal," Schefer reported on X.

After rushing for over 1,000 yards in two straight seasons, Cook is certainly a positive player to have in the backfield -- especially alongside a signal-caller like Josh Allen -- but the Bills seem to be prioritizing using their money on other positions.

A star running back can make all the difference, as the Philadelphia Eagles proved a season ago. They paid Saquon Barkley what the New York Giants wouldn't and won a Super Bowl because of it.

While Cook isn't on the same level, could Buffalo get burned in the same fashion if they don't pay the star running back? Or is he replaceable in the draft?

The Georgia product not coming to voluntary practices certainly sends a message to the club, and it'll be interesting to see how they respond.

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

More must-reads: