Schefter Offers Gruesome Bills Prediction on James Cook originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The business side of the NFL is heading the Buffalo Bills' offseason, with running back James Cook seeking a new contract as he enters the final year of his rookie deal.
But there's a big problem.
The Bills, through re-signing other stars this offseason, despite Cook stating first he wanted a new deal, having only $1.6 million in cap space per Over The Cap.
James wasn't at OTAs, which is, of course, voluntary, but there have been little breadcrumbs laid out by Cook, seemingly voicing his discontent at the lack of movement on a new deal.
Now, ESPN's Adam Schefter is discussing it all in his podcast, offering a rather grim view of the situation between Buffalo and Cook.
“It bears watching because you've got a guy who's unhappy with this contractual situation, who has basically disconnected himself from the organization, the city, put his house up for sale,” Schefter said. “I don't think we'll be seeing him in Buffalo anytime soon, and again, the start of training camp will be the next critical moment. If they don't have a deal done there by then, does James Cook show up for training camp? Does he risk the penalties if he doesn't show up?"
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook.© Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
That doesn't sound promising at all.
Buffalo's mandatory mini-camp will take place this week, and that will also serve as a test of Cook's mental state regarding his contract.
Seen as one of the key offensive pieces for coordinator Joe Brady, this has the potential to get rather ugly the longer it goes without something being done.
But Buffalo, barring some serious salary cap gymnastics, won't be able to get a deal done with the two-time Pro Bowler, and where that leaves Cook and the offense is unknown.
And that isn't a good spot to be for a franchise aiming for Super Bowl glory.
