5:00pm: NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero notes (video link) Cook’s camp and the Bills have remained in consistent contact regarding extension talks, adding that the parties are not believed to be far apart. That makes today’s move somewhat surprising, and it remains to be seen whether the nature of negotiations will shift in the near future and whether missed regular season action becomes a real possibility.
12:43pm: Bills running back James Cook is entering the final year of his rookie contract and is seeking a lucrative extension. However, he fully participated in Buffalo’s first training camp practice, and reports at the time indicated he would continue to do so and would not ‘hold in.’ 
That appears to have changed. Cook did not practice on Sunday, and when asked why, he simply replied, “business” (via ESPN’s Alaina Getzenberg). When asked if he would practice Monday, he answered, “business.” Per Getzenberg, he kept repeating the word “business” in response to follow-up questions. The team, meanwhile, indicated it has no comment on the matter, per Getzenberg.
Prior reports suggested the Bills and Cook were still discussing a new deal, although we had also heard there was little traction in negotiations since Cook’s asking price of $15MM per year became public. That AAV would place Cook in a third-place tie with Derrick Henry in the league’s running back hierarchy, and while Cook (26 in September) is over five years younger than Henry with considerably less mileage on his odometer, he does not have nearly the same track record as a game-changing talent.
Still, since taking over as the Bills’ RB1 in 2023, Cook has earned two Pro Bowl nods and has averaged an impressive 4.8 yards per carry across 444 totes. He has also demonstrated a nose for the end zone, recording a league-high 16 rushing touchdowns last season as part of a Buffalo offense that finished 10th in yards and second in scoring. He is therefore justified in making a big ask, and it is unclear whether his apparent new stance reflects some sort of regression in contract talks.
The Bills have busy on the extension front this offseason. The likes of Khalil Shakir, Gregory Rousseau, Christian Benford, and Terrel Bernard have each received lucrative second contracts keeping them in Buffalo for the foreseeable future. General manager Brandon Beane has previously suggested Cook would need to replicate his previous production from the 2024 campaign before the team makes a similar commitment to him, however. Today’s development is another sign that could be the case.
In addition to Cook, Buffalo has veteran Ty Johnson and 2024 fourth-rounder Ray Davis set to return in the backfield. The presence of those two as depth options could once again prevent Cook from handling a true three-down role this season, something which would in turn hinder his market value on a second Bills pact or one sending him to a new team.
Adam La Rose contributed to this post.
Deion Sanders used to make business decisions all the time by not tackling in games. Cook is probably just being cautious with his body during more physical practices. Runners take enough punishment, paid well or not.
If he’s actually holding out for $15M, trade him to Dallas and move on. Let him languish in mediocrity.
Its just negotiation. He knows he wont get it either. But start high and work down.
4/50
He won’t get it. Could easily be traded to cowboys or bears for depth
He’s easily better than anybody Dallas has.
Better than anybody Chicago has too.
That’s my point.
What!… no trade request? 🙂
Next week…
Play the deal you signed.
How hard is it for Cook to understand two things about his contract? A statistical 14th rated RB does not deserve #3 money. Second the system of the Bills due to Josh Allen MVP play and the excellent offensive line not found on many teams IS A HUGE FACTOR of Cook’s success. On a crappy team he’s a 28th rated RB. Move on from him and let Josh groom another Top RB.
I’m not sure where you’re getting your ratings from but they’re complete nonsense.
If you think he’s the 14th best RB then we can’t help you.
Maybe he’s not practicing because he was told not to as a trade negotiation began?
Nvm
COOK U ARE ONLY AS GOOD AS THE HORSES U GOT UP FRONT. TAKE THEM AWAY AND SEE WHAT U CAN DO… REMEMBER WHEN OJ SIMPSON SAID I DONT NEED BLOCKING,THAT FOLLOWING THAT COMMENT HE WAS WASHED UP. COUPLE YEARS LATER HE WAS TRADED AND HE DID DIDALLY SQUAT.
???
All bark, no bite. Just like Hendrickson. Just like parsons. Just clickbait until the season starts.