Two things are true about James Cook, and they could end up working against each other.
Cook wants to be in Buffalo and play for the Bills. He has made that clear. Cook also is confident in his worth.
That combo could come to a head eventually. Cook hasn't been able to reach a contract agreement with the Bills this offseason.
Soon after the season ended, Cook expressed that he should be worth $15 million per year. The Bills clearly don't think so.
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On Thursday after training camp practice, Cook was asked whether he believed he was going to get his payday in Buffalo.
His answer: "I mean, however it happens. it’s going to get done," Cook said. "Wherever it happens at."
That last sentence is the key. Cook has clearly considered that this could be his last season with the Bills.
Buffalo doesn't have great incentive to get rid of Cook now or in the middle of the season. He's one of the league's best running backs. Super Bowl aspirations depend in part on him.
But if Cook doesn't want to compromise, he may find himself in a new uniform in 2026.
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