The Buffalo Bills have a problem on their hands. Running back James Cook has been asking for a new contract throughout the offseason, but the Bills haven’t given in.
Bills Running Back James Cook Is Holding Out
Cook is in the final year of his deal and will become a free agent next spring if the two sides can’t work out a contract. Most NFL players don’t like not having a long-term contract under them in case an injury happens. Many other leagues, like the NBA and Major League Baseball, have stars who want to test the open market. But with football being such a physical game, players like knowing they have some guaranteed money.
Cook didn’t cause too much drama with wanting a new contract, and even reported to training camp on day one. Many other NFL players looking for deals around the league didn’t report to camp and even asked to be traded.
Everything with Cook started to change last week when Washington Commanders receiver Terry McLaurin requested a trade. The 29-year-old receiver has had a contract dispute with the team all season, even holding out of camp. McLaurin finally had enough and decided he wanted out.
Dallas Cowboys pass rusher Micah Parsons followed in McLaurin’s footsteps on Friday. The four-time Pro Bowler is looking for a new deal and has requested a trade.
Cook decided to sit out practice on Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday, not because of an injury. The 25-year-old running back had a little protest, but that seems like it could come to an end.
Cook Was Supposed to Return to Practice, But Didn’t
According to Bills head coach Sean McDermott, Cook was supposed to return to practice on Thursday. However, when practice started, Cook was nowhere to be seen.
Bills practice is about to begin and thereâs still no sign of James Cook.
Sean McDermott said he expected him to be out there. Heâs been âholding-inâ since Sunday. pic.twitter.com/hA28dg0YFH
â Mike Bundt (@Mike_Bundt) August 7, 2025
Buffalo can’t afford to have Cook miss any time because he’s going to have to carry a huge workload. The Bills are looking to finally reach the Super Bowl for the first time since the 1990s. If they do get to the big game, a lot of that will have to do with the outstanding play of Cook.
With less than five weeks until the first regular season game, the Bills need everyone on board. Buffalo will open their year against the Baltimore Ravens, who could be the team to beat in the AFC.
Cook will have to go up against one of the best running backs in the NFL, Ravens’ Derrick Henry. Henry has been the most outstanding running back in the league for the past decade. If Cook can outplay him, then he can show the Bills’ front office that he’s on the same level as a future Hall of Famer.
Hopefully, the Bills can work out a new contract with Cook before the season starts to avoid any distractions. The main goal for Buffalo this season is to win the Super Bowl, and any little drama could prevent them from reaching their goal.
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