Buffalo Bills running back James Cook is still after a new contract with the franchise, and after a host of key starters put pen to paper on extensions, James has been left out.
Given the Bills' salary cap situation (just $5 million available per Over The Cap), an extension doesn't look likely, and even general manager Brandon Beane stated that the focus is now on the draft.
So, where does that leave Cook? In no man's land right now.
But we could get some clarification over the next week, with the NFL Draft fast approaching. Pro Football Network is mentioning Cook's name as a possible trade candidate.
"Brandon Beane has traditionally leaned on the draft to restock at running back," Pro Football Network writes. "Beane drafted Devin Singletary to replace LeSean McCoy, and then drafted James Cook to replace Singletary. Now, with Cook entering the last year of his rookie contract, the Bills could be poised to repeat that cycle again."
Already with Ray Davis and Ty Johnson as the "next guys" and a deep running back class, the Bills could easily move on from Cook and get his replacement next week.
Exactly what Buffalo would get in return is unknown, as the team James goes to would have to part ways with draft capital and then pay him a new contract at roughly $15 million APY.
How many teams are doing that? Maybe a select few who have a desperate need for a starting Pro Bowl running back.
If the Bills were to move on, this feels like the time to do it. They have two solid options in-house already, and the draft has a host of starting-caliber backs.
A move seems simple enough...if a trade partner can be found.
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