Bills' James Cook Sits Out Practice Amid Contract Rumors, Cites 'Business' for Absence

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook didn't practice with the team Sunday at training camp.

The two-time Pro Bowler worked out on a stationary bike as his teammates went through drills.

This is set against the backdrop of Cook wanting a new contract as he enters the final year of his rookie deal. He said little of his decision not to practice, but the subtext seemed pretty clear:

The Bills, for their part, declined to comment.

Cook eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards for the second straight year in 2024. His 16 touchdowns also matched a franchise record set by O.J. Simpson in 1975.

In general, this isn't a great time to angle for a big payday if you're an NFL running back. General managers don't feel compelled to pay a premium for the position, with a few exceptions.

But Saquon Barkley penned an extension with the Philadelphia Eagles worth $20.6 million annually, and one downstream effect is raising the bar for what other running backs will request.

In the case of Cook, there's little chance he surpasses Barkley, but he's certainly worth more than his $5.3 million base salary for 2025. Spotrac pegs his valuation at $10.2 million.

Holdouts are rare these days because of how the fines for voluntarily skipping training camp can add up. As a result, hold-ins have become increasingly popular. In terms of the PR game, it applies just as much pressure on a team than if the player wasn't in camp whatsoever.

Cook will almost certainly be there when it matters because he's not going to risk forfeiting his salary or a year of NFL service time. In the meantime, he may not be above making things a little awkward for Buffalo.