James Cook’s tumultuous offseason has officially continued.
The Buffalo Bills began voluntary workouts on Tuesday. Every single player on their roster was present, except for one: Cook.
It hints at the start of a holdout for the star running back entering the final year of his rookie contract.
Cooks contract has been a focus all offseason.
Early on, he said he wanted a deal worth $15 million per year. Given the state of paying RBs in the modern game, that seemed unlikely from the outset, and the Bills haven’t made any such inroads toward giving Cook such a hefty payday.
Making the optics even more annoying for Cook, Buffalo has handed out extensions left and right this offseason. Pretty much every standout player eligible for a new deal got one, except for Cook.
And now he’s showing his displeasure by skipping voluntary workouts.
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Yes, voluntary is the word that removes Cook from some culpability here. But the Bills are shooting for a Super Bowl, and every other player is there knowing that this hard work is the first step toward getting there.
Cook may not have a long-term future in Buffalo if his contract matter isn’t resolved, but the Bills still need him in 2025, so hopefully the two sides can reach an understanding.
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