“I don’t think we’ll be seeing him in Buffalo anytime soon”: ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter on James Cook and Buffalo Bills contract standoff

Buffalo Bills standout running back James Cook has stepped away from the team in the wake of an unresolved contract standoff, which has put his availability for the 2025 NFL season into question.

As reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter, James Cook has avoided voluntary workouts and listed his Buffalo residence for sale, showing an expanding disconnect from the franchise. With the Buffalo Bills' mandatory minicamp on June 10–12, the deal hangs as James Cook reaches the final year of his rookie contract.

James Cook's contract negotiations place Buffalo Bills in uncertain waters

James Cook, a central offensive building block for the Buffalo Bills, has not yet attended any offseason sessions, such as OTAs in May and early June.

While his absence is potentially about to have financial penalties attached if he doesn't attend the forthcoming minicamp, tension is building around whether or not James Cook will appear for training camp without a new contract. “It bears watching because you’ve got a guy who’s unhappy with this contractual situation,” Schefter said. “I don’t think we’ll be seeing him in Buffalo anytime soon. Again, the start of training camp will be the next critical moment. If they don’t have a deal done there by then, does James Cook show up for training camp? Does he risk the penalties that come along in the collective bargaining agreement if he doesn’t show up?”

James Cook is now unsigned after 2025.

According to reports, he's asking for a long-term extension worth in the range of $15 million per year, which would make him one of the league's highest-paid running backs, commensurate with Baltimore's Derrick Henry. As ESPN broadcaster Adam Schefter highlighted James Cook's unhappiness, he also emphasized that no deal is in the offing, with James Cook ‘disconnected’ from both the organization and the city.“I don't believe that these two sides are anywhere close to a deal at this point in time,” Adam Schefter added.

“As we enter a critical season for the Buffalo Bills, James Cook is one of the more important players there. And with a deal not on the horizon, that looms as a little storm cloud over the promising season that's ahead for the Buffalo Bills.”Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane has downplayed it publicly, saying in April on The Pat McAfee Show, “He will be here this year, and hopefully beyond. We're focused on this season, but yes, for 2025 we'll have all three backs.”Financial punishments will be imminent if Cook misses this week's minicamp, increasing from $17,462 on Day 1 to $52,381 on Day 3, totaling more than $104,000. Additional missed training camp days in July will draw a $50,000 fine per day. While no official trade negotiations have been reported, the Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys, Washington Commanders, and Los Angeles Chargers were listed by Pro Football Network recently as possible landing grounds should the impasse continue to escalate. Also read: “You still have time to delete it”: Buffalo Bills fans react to Bills celebrating Pride MonthThe next few weeks could be decisive—not just for Cook's Buffalo future, but for the Bills' chances at competing in the AFC.