Pro Football Rumors
After a brief hold-in period, James Cook is set to return to the practice field. The extension-seeking running back will suit up today, per Bills head coach Sean McDermott.
Cook attended training camp and initially took part in practices before adopting a hold-in stance. That approach continued into this past weekend, when McDermott and Co. asked the two-time Pro Bowler to play in Buffalo’s preseason opener. Cook declined, leading to renewed speculation about when and how this situation will be resolved.
While no contract agreement appears imminent, McDermott said on Tuesday (via ESPN’s Alaina Getzenberg) that “things have changed” with respect to Cook. The lines of communication have remained open in this case, with general manager Brandon Beane publicly confirming the team’s desire for a long-term pact to be worked out. That may not take place until next spring, though, especially if Cook’s asking price remains steady.
The two-time Pro Bowler named $15MM per season as his target early in the negotiating process. That figure would place Cook, 25, in a tie for third at the running back spot in terms of AAV. A more realistic figure could be the $11MM in annual money which fellow 2022 draftee Kyren Williams recently landed on his Rams extension. Indeed, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini predicted on the most recent edition of the Scoop City podcast (video link) Cook’s new Bills pact will check in near Williams’ in terms of average annual value.
Much of Buffalo’s future cap commitments were arranged this offseason when quarterback Josh Allen agreed to a short-term, high-priced extension to his pact moving him in line with the top of the QB market. Afterwards, extensions with receiver Khalil Shakir, linebacker Terrel Bernard, edge rusher Gregory Rousseau and cornerback Christian Benford were worked out. Cook would join that quartet on a raise brought about by a second contract in the event a deal were to be struck before a potential free agent departure next spring.
McDermott cautioned (via The Athletic’s Joe Buscaglia) today’s development is not necessarily a sign the Cook hold-in is over for good. A day-by-day approach will continue for the time being, but Cook taking part in practice marks another twist in his ongoing attempt to land a long-term pact before Week 1.
