Bills' 'Storm Cloud' Threatening To Derail 2025 Season originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Buffalo Bills are poised to be one of the contenders for the Super Bowl this upcoming season, but there is something that could derail their chances before a single snap is even played.
The contract situation of two-time Pro Bowler James Cook.
With nothing substantial being done between the two sides, it is becoming apparent that Cook is a little annoyed at the lack of progress. Granted, the lack of cap space (just $1.6m) might be a big factor here.
Still, James is seen as a key member of Joe Brady's offense; yet, Buffalo opted to re-sign a host of other players instead.
And ESPN's Adam Schefter has offered an update on the situation, and it makes for grim reading for Bills Mafia.
“I don't believe that these two sides are anywhere close to a deal at this point in time," Schefter said. "As we enter a critical season for the Buffalo Bills, James Cook is one of the more important players there, and with a deal not on the horizon, that looms as a little storm cloud over the promising season that's ahead for the Buffalo Bills.”
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook (4) runs against Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell (46), left, and safety Brian Branch (32) during the second half at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024. © Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Wanting roughly $15 million APY, there doesn't appear to be any desire from the Bills to sign Cook to that sort of deal. At least right now.
That is problematic because can the Bills win the Super Bowl without him? After back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and a franchise record of 16 rushing touchdowns in the regular season, Cook does his share of the heavy lifting.
Ray Davis and Ty Johnson are the others behind Cook, who may have to step up, but we don't envision James holding out like Haason Reddick did throughout training camp and half of the regular season last year in search of a new deal.
But if he does, Buffalo's " little storm cloud" might develop into something far more sinister.
