2025 has witnessed a pair of training camp holdouts and the attendance/participation of other extension-seeking players will remain a storyline to follow in the coming days. With respect to James Cook, things have been business as usual regarding his on-field work. 
The two-time Pro Bowler participated in full during the Bills’ first training camp practice. That is expected to continue, as noted by Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic (subscription required). Earlier this month, it was unclear if a hold-in would take place, but Cook said he did not consider such a move. The former second-rounder remains focused on securing a Bills extension, although it still remains to be seen if a big-ticket deal will come from Buffalo or another team next spring.
“I mean, we have talks. I’m never going to give up,” Cook said during his first public remarks since arriving at camp. “I deserve it — what I want, what I need. It’s going to eventually happen. I mean, however it happens, it’s going to get done. Wherever it happens.”
A mutual interest still exists for an agreement to be reached allowing Cook to play on his second contract with the Bills. Since an asking price of $15MM per season became public, however, little progress has been made with respect to negotiations. One year remains on the Georgia product’s rookie contract, and a season similar to 2024 would position him for a major raise. Cook tied for the league lead in rushing touchdowns last season (16) and averaged nearly 91 yards per game on the ground during the playoffs.
While the 25-year-old should be expected to remain productive for the foreseeable future, he logged a snap share of only 48% in 2024. Cook has yet to establish himself as a true three-down workhorse similar to many of the top earners at the running back spot (a position whose market currently has seven players averaging between $10MM and $20.6MM annually). The Bills still have Ray Davis and Ty Johnson in the fold, so a major increase in Cook’s 2025 workload compared to past years would come as a surprise. In any case, general manager Brandon Beane remains hopeful a deal can be struck at some point.
“As I’ve said all along, I love James Cook. You know how I am. I want to draft, develop, re-sign our own,” Beane said. “It is a business. We have to fit it in, not only cash, but cap… But we also have to look at ’26, ’27 and beyond… So all those things have to make sense for us to fit in him.”
This offseason, Beane and the Bills have worked out long-term deals with Christian Benford, Gregory Rousseau, Terrel Bernard and Khalil Shakir. In each case, those moves ensured a departure next spring will not be possible. Cook still looms as a candidate for a multi-year pact of his own, and his situation will no doubt remain a storyline until and unless an agreement can be reached.
I don’t know if his brother had a lot to do with those posts, or maybe someone else was in his ear… but he is a team guy, wants to win. Knows he has to have a massive year if they don’t come to terms. I’m excited for him this year. I think he’s gonna tear it up (hopefully not his knee)! He’s a good kid they say.
This is how you handle business.
After seeing how Buffalo dealt with Diggs I think he wisely concluded that having an “attitude” wasn’t going to advance his efforts. He’s going to get a reasonable extension contract but he still sounds like a guy who thinks he’s entitled.