It is well-known that James Cook wants a new contract from the Buffalo Bills. The star running back initially sat out of voluntary minicamp in hopes of a new deal, but has attended every mandatory activity or practice this offseason since then.
On multiple occasions, he has faced the local media and reinforced the idea that he loves Bills Mafia and wants to remain with the team and do whatever it takes to win. Fans believed him, to a certain extent, due to his being around the facility ahead of the 2025 NFL season.
However, things randomly took a turn on Sunday. After participating in the team's annual Blue & Red practice at Highmark Stadium on Friday night, Cook sat out of practice on Sunday. Initially, fans thought he could be nursing an injury or resting, but he defied that with his puzzling comments.
James Cook sits out of Bills practice for "Business" reasons
ESPN's Alaina Getzenberg reported that, when asked why he did not practice on Sunday, Cook replied with one word: "Business." When asked if he was planning to practice tomorrow, he answered with the same one-word response. He did so with every question thrown his way on Sunday.
The two-time Pro Bowler is seemingly back to feeling frustrated with the organization, and there is no real indication as to what may have set him off. Perhaps it was the injury to Khalil Shakir on Friday that reminded him how fickle the game of football is.
This is a surprising change of tone for Cook, considering his presence all offseason. However, he and his brother, Dalvin, have made it known that he wants around $15 million per year, and he is yet to receive that from general manager Brandon Beane.
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Cook is certainly worthy of this contract, as this would make him the 11th-highest-paid running back in the NFL. He recorded 1,267 all-purpose yards and 18 touchdowns last season, including a league-high 16 touchdowns on the ground.
With Shakir out and a smattering of injuries to the rest of the wide receiver corps, having Cook in the lineup will be critical to the success of Josh Allen and the offense. Backups like Ray Davis, Ty Johnson and Darrynton Evans are solid pieces, but they cannot replicate what Cook does.
Buffalo currently has no cap space available, and they have very little over the next few seasons compared to the rest of the league. This is a bad time for Cook to be entering the final year of his rookie deal, as it will take expert finagling to find a way to make him happy and not cripple the franchise financially.