As James Cook approaches the final year of his rookie contract, his future beyond 2025 remains a talking point. The Bills are confident he will be in place for at least next season, and a holdout this summer is not expected by the team at this time. 
“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,” general manager Brandon Beane said during an interview with Adam Schein on Mad Dog Sports Radio (video link).
Since Cook went public with his asking price ($15MM annually) on a long-term extension, attention has been focused on whether or not he will join the list of Bills who have received a second contract this offseason. The likes of Khalil Shakir, Gregory Rousseau, Terrel Bernard and Christian Benford have been extended in recent weeks, but Beane made it clear no such commitment would be made in Cook’s case until after the draft. Now, mandatory minicamp in June and training camp one month later represent potential flashpoints depending on how negotiations proceed.
A report from one month ago indicated initial talks did not go well, and it will be interesting to see if that changes in the near future. Cook was absent from voluntary workouts, but the 25-year-old would become subject to fines he if skipped minicamp and/or training camp. Players have increasingly turned to hold-ins during recent years, and Cook could elect to take that route if no deal is in place by the summer.
The Bills have a second contract for the two-time Pro Bowler on their radar, although Beane has suggested Cook will need to duplicate his production from the past two campaigns for Buffalo to proceed with a long-term commitment. Since taking over starting duties in 2023, Cook has amassed 2,131 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns on the ground. The Georgia product has added 703 yards and six touchdowns in the passing game, illustrating his dual-threat ability. Cook faced questions coming out of college about his ability to operate as a full-time lead back, but he has handled over 200 carries each of the past two seasons.
Buffalo also has Ray Davis and Ty Johnson in place for backfield options beyond the coming season. They will both have a role in 2025 once the season starts, but it remains to be seen what Cook’s outlook will be by that point.
Bills fans love Cook, but few believe he’s a $15 million a year guy. He has to show up to prove he is (to his current team or any potential 2026 suitors).