James Cook has made it clear what he wants from the Buffalo Bills in a long-term contract extension, but general manager Brandon Beane clearly is not expecting him to hold out to get his wish.
Two-time Pro Bowler Cook is entering the final year of his rookie contract and went public with his demands on social media back in February, indicating he is seeking a deal worth $15 million a year.
Reigning Offensive Player of the Year Saquon Barkley is the NFL’s highest-paid running back with an average annual salary of $20.6 million. A $15million a year salary for Cook would put him third behind Barkley and 2023 Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey ($19 million).
Cook, a second-round pick in 2022, did not report for voluntary workouts last month and the 25-year-old would be subject to fines if he elected not to participate in mandatory minicamp. A holdout that extends into training camp would put him at risk of further fines.
But Beane does not anticipate things reaching that point.
Beane told Adam Schein on ‘Mad Dog Sports Radio’: “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.”
Cook last season led the NFL in rushing touchdowns, finding the endzone 16 times on the ground in a year that also saw him rack up 1,009 rushing yards.
He finished 2024 with 1,267 yards from scrimmage, with that tally down from the 1,567 in 2023. However, his 18 total touchdowns represented a marked increase from the six he scored in his second season in the league.
