RB James Cook ‘won’t be in Buffalo anytime soon’

Plus, final thoughts on who stood out during OTAs

Buffalo Bills’ Pro Bowl running back James Cook is searching for a new contract, and was not present during the team’s voluntary offseason workouts. On Tuesday, the Bills will gather for their mandatory minicamp, and ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter said he would not be surprised if Cook continues his absence from the team.

Today’s edition of Buffalo Rumblinks leads off with the latest on why, according to Schefter, Cook “won’t be in Buffalo anytime soon.”

RB James Cook ‘won’t be in Buffalo anytime soon’

According to Schefter, the Bills and James Cook remain far apart in their negotiations over a new contract for the talented running back, who has made back-to-back Pro Bowls, is coming off his second consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season, and tied for the NFL lead with 16 rushing touchdowns in 2024.

“You’ve got a guy who’s unhappy with his contractual situation... (He) has basically disconnected himself from the organization and the city,” Schefter said on a recent episode of The Adam Schefter Podcast. “Put his house up for sale... I don’t think we’ll be seeing him in Buffalo anytime soon. Again, the start of training camp will be the next critical moment. If they don’t have a deal done there or by then, does James Cook show up for training camp? Does he risk the penalties that come along in the collective bargaining agreement if he doesn’t show up?”

Cook, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract, will make a little more than $5 million this season. He is facing the risk of fines if he misses mandatory minicamp, and the fines would only climb if he holds out during training camp.

Final thoughts from OTAs

From veteran wide receiver Elijah Moore quickly acclimating and second-year wideout Keon Coleman turning heads to rookie cornerback Maxwell Hairston making a great first impression, breaking down the final thoughts and observations from Buffalo’s OTAs.

Even more Bills news

We find out how defensive tackle DaQuan Jones is always trying to improve; learn where the Bills find themselves among the favorites to win Super Bowl LX; see where the Bills offense ranked in explosive plays last year; and more!

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