James Cook Reportedly Plans to Attend Bills Training Camp amid Contract Rumors

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook has made it clear that he wants a new contract as he enters the final year of his rookie deal, but he's not looking to start controversy to achieve his goal.

Per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, Cook will be in attendance for the start of Bills training camp this week. Pelissero added that "it remains to be seen how involved he’ll be on the field."

Per Spotrac, Cook is set to count for a $5.7 million cap hit in 2025, a massive discount for a player who led the NFL with 16 rushing touchdowns last season. He also achieved his second straight 1,000-yard season with 1,009 rushing yards while also adding 32 catches for 258 yards and two more scores.

Despite not yet receiving a new deal, Cook has maintained his professionalism and shown his commitment to Buffalo. Rather than holding out, he participated in the team's mandatory minicamp last month.

"I mean, why not? I'm here, I'm part of the team. I'm a leader, so I just got to practice and get a jump," Cook said when asked why he fully participated in minicamp without a new contract, per ESPN's Alaina Getzenberg.

However, Cook was less definitive when discussing whether he would participate in training camp before signing a new deal.

"I don't know, man," Cook said. "We will see when camp comes."

The Bills have reached contract extensions with three members of Cook's draft class this offseason, so the 2022 second-round pick undoubtedly should be next in line to be rewarded. Buffalo is hoping to finally break through and make it to the Super Bowl this year, and keeping Cook happy would eliminate a potential distraction as the team tries to achieve that goal.