The Buffalo Bills are determined to finally break through in the AFC playoffs. They kept their Super Bowl hopes alive this offseason by extending quarterback Josh Allen, but they’ll need to add more talent in the 2025 NFL Draft to make a serious run.
General Manager Brandon Beane addressed running back James Cook’s absence from voluntary workouts, downplaying any concerns.
“It’s voluntary, so players come and go,” Beane said Tuesday. “People might assume he’s skipping because of his contract, but that’s not a fair assumption. He hasn’t told me that, and no one else has either. Just because he’s not here now doesn’t mean he won’t show up soon. He’ll be ready.”
Cook is entering the final year of his rookie deal and is reportedly aiming for a lucrative contract extension — something the Bills appear hesitant to offer at this time.
Coming off a breakout 2024 season where he tallied 207 carries for 1,009 yards and 16 touchdowns, Cook is expected to draw significant attention if he hits free agency after this year.
“We love James and look forward to having him back in our uniform this season,” Beane added. “He’s a competitor. He’s just not here for this part of the offseason. I can’t say exactly when he’ll be back, but we’ll see.”
While Cook missing voluntary workouts isn’t cause for immediate concern, the situation could escalate if he chooses to skip training camp later in the summer. If Buffalo ultimately decides not to meet his contract demands, he’ll likely have plenty of suitors on the open market.