James Cook Reportedly Attends Bills Minicamp amid Desire for New Contract

Despite seeking a new contract as he enters the final year of his rookie deal, Buffalo Bills running back James Cook showed a sign of good faith.

According to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports, Cook is in attendance for the start of Buffalo's mandatory minicamp on Tuesday.

Cook had skipped voluntary OTAs over his desires for a new deal. The Bills rewarded three members of the 2022 draft class with new deals this offseason, but Cook wasn't one of them. Wide receiver Khalil Shakir, linebacker Terrel Bernard and cornerback Christian Benford all got their deals done while Cook continues to wait. ESPN's Alaina Getzenberg reported that "the two sides were not close" in contract negotiations.

Cook is coming off his second straight 1,000-yard campaign, finishing the 2024 season with 1,009 yards and a career-high 16 touchdowns on 207 carries. He tied for the NFL lead in rushing touchdowns alongside Baltimore Ravens star Derrick Henry and Detroit Lions speedster Jahmyr Gibbs. He was named to the Pro Bowl for the second straight year.

The Bills have been knocking on the door of the Super Bowl in recent years but have struggled to break through despite being one of the top perennial contenders in the league. Buffalo is coming off another disappointing playoff exit at the hands of the Kansas City Chiefs in last season's AFC Championship Game.

Keeping Cook in the fold will be crucial to the Bills' hopes of earning a spot in the Super Bowl, so it's a good sign that he's present for mandatory minicamp as he continues to wait for his new deal.