The Cook Is in the Kitchen: Contract Tensions Are Heating Up
James Cook is attending the Buffalo Bills' mandatory minicamp despite recent contract disappointments. Now entering his fourth season with the Bills, Cook rushed for over 1,000 yards and scored 18 touchdowns in 2024 alone. His value, however, seems to be overlooked. This offseason is stirring rumors as to whether or not Cook will return in 2026 as a Buffalo Bill.
Cook first left fans guessing in April when he removed all posts from the Bills organization. He then began sharing cryptic posts, signaling his dissatisfaction with his current contract. The posts included replies to tweets on other large extensions like Saquon Barkley and his teammate, Khalil Shakir. “I want to get what I deserve," Cook said in a podcast earlier this offseason. Other signs of Cook’s departure have been more obvious, like being absent from the voluntary portion of organized team activities and putting his Buffalo home up for sale. However, Cook was present at the beginning of mandatory minicamp, saying, “I like my money, that’s why I’m here,” adding that he plans to fully participate in training camp while he seeks a new deal.
Buffalo Bills Offensive Coordinator Brandon Beane told Sports Illustrated, “We’ve got a number of guys that you could say deserved extensions, you also have a cap…” suggesting that the Bills may not have the flexibility or money to pay Cook what he expects. However, in a separate interview with Adam Schein on Mad Dog Sports Radio, Beane expressed confidence that Cook will remain a Buffalo Bill. “I know we’ve had people in the building that he’s been talking with, and I have no doubt when it’s time to play football, he’ll be ready to roll,” Beane said. While Cook has been a huge asset to this Buffalo team, analysts at Sports Illustrated have found a potential replacement come the end of Cook’s contract. “Quintrevion Wisner can be a viable successor,” Ian Cummings said, "At six feet, 200 pounds, Wisner’s elusive instincts, space-swimming ability, and base recalibration post-contact make him unique." Many predict that the Bills will use their second-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to find a replacement. Time is running out for this team and their star running back to reach a contract agreement. With a new season just around the corner, we may see Cook as the newest free agent in 2026.
