This offseason has largely been dominated by a lingering story for the Buffalo Bills, and every fan knows exactly what it is. Running back James Cook needs a new contract, but to this point, it has yet to happen.
Now, of course, Cook could choose to hold out or even "hold in" when training camp kicks off, but this isn't about Cook. It's about second-round pick T.J. Sanders who happens to be directly part of a nagging issue around the league.
As we speak, only two 2025 second-round picks have signed their rookie deals. This, of course, includes Sanders.
Rookie defensive tackle T.J. Sanders is a legitimate holdout threat during Buffalo Bills training camp
Why haven't they signed yet? It all started when the Houston Texans gave Jayden Higgins a fully-guaranteed deal, which was the first of its kind. Then, the Cleveland Browns did the same for Carson Schwesinger. So naturally, Sanders (and his fellow second-round peers) would like the same.
Note: Per the NFL CBA, rookies cannot participate in training camp if they have not signed their initial contract.
On one hand, it's somewhat comforting to know that the healthy majority of the league is dealing with this problem. The Bills are one of many teams who have this nagging issue with their second-round pick.
So, that is obviously a positive (kind of).
If Sanders misses any training camp time, that opens the door wide for 2024 third-round pick DeWayne Carter to get more looks.
Carter's rookie season was hampered by a wrist injury which required surgery, and all in all, he appeared active for 11 games. Going into Year 2, he not only has to come back from an injury-shortened rookie campaign, but he's also in line for serious competition as soon as Sanders gets his deal signed.
The hope is that Sanders gets signed and that he and Carter can both become integral parts of this defensive line rotation. Competition breeds success, as they say, and it's not just a cliché. More often than not, it's the truth.
If all goes according to plan, Sanders is able to get his deal done and join the rest of his teammates for training camp. And in that same tone, Carter comes in and has himself a phenomenal camp as well.