Although the NFL season is still 100 days away, the Buffalo Bills are already embroiled in a brewing drama surrounding their top running back, James Cook. His absence from the team’s voluntary offseason workouts has raised eyebrows—not for what’s happening on the field, but for what’s unfolding behind closed doors.
Voluntary—In Name Only
In the NFL, the word “voluntary” doesn’t always carry its dictionary meaning. While players are technically under no obligation to attend these early workouts, the unspoken expectation is clear: show up if you’re serious about your role on the team. Cook’s absence, then, isn’t simply a vacation—it’s a message.
That message? He wants to get paid.
The $20 Million Benchmark
James Cook is reportedly seeking a contract extension that would place him among the NFL’s highest-paid running backs. His older brother, Dalvin Cook, has publicly floated a figure of $20 million per year. That’s a number typically reserved for elite-tier talents like Saquon Barkley.
Cook’s on-field production—16 rushing touchdowns last season, tied for the most in the NFL—is impressive. But the Bills front office isn’t biting. According to GM Brandon Beane, the team has tabled contract talks with Cook after failing to close the gap between what Cook’s camp wants and what Buffalo is willing to pay.
Instead, the team has prioritized extensions for key players like Josh Allen, Terrel Bernard, Gregory Rousseau, and Khalil Shakir—leaving Cook as the odd man out.
Familiar Faces, Familiar Tactics
The negotiations are being led by an agent known for hardball tactics. Cook is represented by the same agent who oversaw contentious negotiations for players like J.K. Dobbins—who once held out in Baltimore without a deal and later tore his Achilles—and rookie Shamar Stewart, who’s currently holding out in Cincinnati despite not yet signing his rookie contract.
The agent’s strategy appears to be asking for top-tier value early and waiting to see if pressure can force teams to move. In Buffalo’s case, it hasn’t worked—at least not yet.
What Comes Next?
As of now, the Bills aren’t pressing the panic button. Cook knows the offensive system, and with offensive coordinator Joe Brady still in place, the team doesn’t view his absence from voluntary workouts as catastrophic.
But the real test will come once mandatory minicamps and training camp arrive. If Cook stays away then, or if public pressure mounts, the situation could quickly shift from negotiation to distraction. Buffalo is in win-now mode, and drama at a key offensive position isn’t ideal.
The Bills are fully aware of the negotiating style they’re dealing with and are prepared for it. This is far from over. Once mandatory activities begin, the situation could escalate—with trade rumors or even a formal holdout potentially entering the picture.
The Bottom Line
James Cook is a valuable piece of the Bills’ offense—but he’s not invaluable. Buffalo appears content to let him play out his rookie contract unless his camp backs off the $20 million-per-year demands. Until then, fans and media alike will be watching closely.
What’s voluntary today may turn into a full-blown standoff tomorrow.