Josh Allen Says Bills 'Desperately Want' James Cook at Practice amid Contract Rumors

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook isn't practicing with his contract under the spotlight, but the team's star player knows how important it will be to have him back on the field.

"James is who he is," Josh Allen told reporters Thursday. "He's one of the best running backs in the league, and you'd be crazy to say we don't want him out there. We desperately want him out there with us. Hopefully something can get done."

Cook is entering the final year of his deal and is set to make $5.3 million in base salary. He showed up to the start of training camp but stopped practicing after approximately a week.

The running back then made it perfectly clear why he wasn't participating in practice:

For his part, Allen certainly understood where Cook is coming from even if he is anticipating the running back's return to the practice field.

"At the end of the day there's this huge business piece to this game. It's the hardest part," Allen said. "A lot of people don't understand it. He's holding out, holding in, whatever he's doing. This is generational stuff. It's wealth for you and your family. It's not a small chunk of change. Making sure that he's healthy and still going through the mental reps. He's still doing that. He's a pro, and he knows what he's doing."

Reports from both NFL Network's Tom Pelissero and The Athletic's Dianna Russini indicated the Bills and Cook are not that far off in terms of reaching an agreement, although general manager Brandon Beane said the team was surprised when the running back decided to stop practicing.

Nick Shook of NFL.com noted Cook is looking for a deal that pays him approximately $15 million per year, which is something only Saquon Barkley, Christian McCaffrey and Derrick Henry have at the position.

Those are arguably the best three running backs in the league, so Cook may have to settle for a smaller number.

Still, it is impossible to argue with his production since he entered the league as a second-round pick in the 2022 NFL draft. He was a Pro Bowler with more than 1,000 rushing yards in each of the last two seasons and is just 25 years old. He could get even better, especially with opposing defenses always so focused on Allen and the aerial attack.

Cook also tied for the league lead with 16 rushing touchdowns last season and has developed into a red-zone threat in Buffalo's offense.

What that is worth to the Bills remains to be seen, but Allen surely hopes his backfield mate is on the field for the Sept. 7 opener against the Baltimore Ravens.