Schefter Says James Cook, Bills Are Not 'Close' to Contract Agreement amid NFL Rumors

The impasse between the Buffalo Bills and running back James Cook over his desire for a new contract reportedly won't be ending anytime soon.

ESPN's Adam Schefter painted a bleak outlook of the stalled negotiations between Cook and the Bills during this week's episode of The Adam Schefter Podcast.

"And my point here is, I don't think the two sides are close now," Schefter said. "And I think this is going to take some time to figure out."

Cook is entering the final year of his rookie contract and is scheduled to make $5.3 million in 2025. After back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, it's fair for him to feel that he has outplayed the value of his current deal.

Schefter added that Cook will not clear $20 million per year on a new contract, which would make him the second-highest-paid running back in the NFL behind only Philadelphia Eagles star Saquon Barkley and ahead of San Francisco 49ers star Christian McCaffrey.

"James Cook is great, he ain’t getting $20 million," Schefter said.

Buffalo's depth chart behind Cook is thin with second-year running back Ray Davis and journeymen Ty Johnson and Darrynton Evans. It would be wise for the Bills to get Cook back in the fold before training camp as they prepare to chase a trip to the Super Bowl this season.