The Buffalo Bills have kicked off their voluntary offseason workouts, with star quarterback Josh Allen in attendance. However, running back James Cook was notably absent from the session in Orchard Park.
Cook’s absence doesn’t come as a shock given the ongoing tension surrounding his contract situation. The 25-year-old is heading into the final year of his rookie deal and is pushing for a contract extension. However, negotiations with the team appear to be far apart on financial terms.
After the Philadelphia Eagles signed Saquon Barkley to a two-year, $42.1 million contract, Cook posted “$15 mill a year” on social media—seemingly hinting at his own salary expectations. Cook, a second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, signed a four-year, $5.83 million rookie contract. While his 2024 base salary is only $1.16 million, he’s set to earn $5.271 million in 2025.
Allen expressed support for Cook, while staying focused on his own role.
Via ESPN’s Alaina Getzenberg:
“I’m not the GM or the head coach—even though I wear a lot of hats in the locker room, that’s not one of them,” Allen said. “I’m just focused on what I can control, making sure the guys here are putting in the work. I know James is training hard wherever he is, and hopefully everything gets worked out when the time is right.”
Allen and Cook were a formidable rushing tandem for Buffalo in 2024
Cook was a significant component of the Bills’ high-octane assault in 2024. He led Buffalo that season with 1,009 running yards and 16 touchdowns on 207 carries.
He and Allen combined for 18 running touchdowns for the Bills’ offense, which finished ninth in the NFL with 136.7 rushing yards per game and second with an average of 30.6 points per game.