Buffalo Bills decision to not extend James Cook yet could pay off for GM Brandon Beane in bittersweet way

“His reps have put it out there that we did talk, so that's not anything new," Beane said when asked about Cook's contract situation. "It didn't lead to anything as far as closing in on a deal, so we moved on to the guys that we were all on the same page with. I don’t see us getting something done anytime soon. We’re onto the draft."

"Just because we don’t get something done this year doesn’t mean we can’t get something done before he’s a free agent," Beane added.

Cook was very vocal about his contract demands, originally putting out there that he wants to get paid $15 million per season, which would make him the third-highest paid running back in the league. His outspoken approach, starting with a very big number, may have backfired.

For Beane, it's clear that any contract talks are being put on the back burner, which may work out for the Bills in the long run. Cook put up a monster season last year, posting one of the best running back performances across the league. In his third pro season, he rushed for 1,009 yards, a league-leading 16 touchdowns, while catching 32 passes for 258 yards and two touchdowns as well. 

One thing that could benefit the Bills from a contract situation — it's possible that Cook could be in line for some regression.

In 2023, Cook had 237 carries and only punched in two touchdowns. Last year, his 16 touchdowns came on only 207 totes. Derrick Henry, who also had 16 rushing touchdowns, carried the rock 325 times. That's a massive difference.

If Cook comes back down to earth a little bit and has a good but not league-leading season, which his insane efficiency numbers point to could be in store, and the Bills will have more leverage in negotiating what a new contract could look like.

As Beane said, he moved on to other players that they were most closely aligned. Beane got deals done with Greg Rousseau, Terrel Bernard, Khalil Shakir, and Christian Benford all since Cook made his contract desires public. If Beane elects to take a running back in a loaded draft class in the 2025 NFL Draft, it will be a loud and strong message to Cook's camp that they might not be close to meeting his contract wants.