Buffalo Bills running back James Cook has stirred the offseason waters by skipping practice for a second consecutive day amid ongoing contract extension negotiations, sparking speculation of a potential holdout as the 2025 NFL season approaches. Cook’s absence, described curtly by the 25-year-old Pro Bowler as “business,” signals a tense standoff between player and team that NFL observers and fans are watching closely due to its implications on the Bills’ Super Bowl aspirations.
Cook, entering the final year of his rookie deal signed after being selected in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, has been vocal about his desire for a new contract worth approximately $15 million annually. This figure would place him among the highest-paid running backs in the league, reflecting his elite production on the field. In the 2024 season, Cook led the NFL with 16 rushing touchdowns matching a franchise record previously held by the legendary O.J. Simpson dating back to 1975. Additionally, Cook eclipsed the 1,000 rushing yards mark for the second consecutive year, solidifying his role as a cornerstone of Buffalo’s offense.
Despite his absence in practice sessions on Sunday and Monday of training camp, Cook has not completely distanced himself from the team environment. He was seen briefed on the sidelines, working out on a stationary bike, and attending team activities without participating in drills. His brief appearance at Monday’s practice sans uniform and clad in workout gear and a beanie was telling. After a quick walk near the practice field, Cook exited toward the locker rooms, declining participation for the remainder of the session. Bills General Manager Brandon Beane admitted that the organization was caught off guard by Cook’s decision to sit out and expressed disappointment over the contract dispute, emphasizing that such a scenario is unprecedented in his nine seasons with the team.
Beane stated on local radio, “At the end of the day, I wish we weren’t here. This is my ninth season here. We’ve never had a player miss due to a contract or anything like that, so that’s disappointing for me. It’s not something we want, not something we’re looking forward to, but at the end of the day... it’s kind of, sometimes can be the way of the world, and so we’ll deal with it the best we can.” His remarks underscored the unusual and potentially disruptive nature of Cook’s absence.
The timing of the situation adds complexity. With Buffalo preparing to kick off its preseason and dealing with several injury concerns among key offensive players, Cook’s hold-in comes at a sensitive juncture. While the Bills do have depth at running back including Ray Davis, Ty Johnson, and veteran Frank Gore Jr. Cook’s elite ability to contribute explosively in both rushing and receiving makes his availability critical to Buffalo’s championship pursuit.
From a financial perspective, Cook’s stance reflects wider industry trends where top-tier running backs leverage their value amid a market that traditionally hesitates to award premium pay to the position. Notably, Saquon Barkley’s recent extension with the Philadelphia Eagles at $20.6 million annually has recalibrated expectations for other backs seeking new deals. Though analysts suggest Cook’s valuation, as assessed by Spotrac, hovers around $10.2 million well below Barkley’s but significantly higher than his current $5.3 million base for 2025. This pay disparity contributes to the current contract impasse and Cook’s decision to pressure the Bills through practice absences while maintaining a “hold-in” rather than a full holdout to avoid forfeiting salary or service time.
In summary, James Cook's current absence from practice due to contract negotiations is an unusual but increasingly common tactic in the NFL’s evolving player-team dynamics. While the exact resolution timeline remains uncertain, both player and team appear engaged in ongoing dialogue. The situation demands careful navigation balancing Cook’s business interests with Buffalo’s competitive goals as the Bills aim to protect their status as perennial AFC East contenders and legitimate Super Bowl hopefuls.
This development will continue to be closely monitored as it unfolds, with implications not only for Buffalo but also as a case study in NFL contract negotiations and player empowerment.
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