Buffalo Bills running back James Cook is officially back in the fold after signing a four-year contract extension with his team on Wednesday. Soon after the signing was announced, Buffalo GM Brandon Beane told reporters that he views Cook as a three-down back. Beane said, "We do feel he can take more, but we like to use our three options and keep him fresh." Cook often lost passing-down work to Ty Johnson last season and only played on 48% of Buffalo's offensive snaps. It is unlikely that Buffalo installs Cook as their workhorse, as their running game was effective in 2024, but it would be a positive for fantasy managers if the Bills shifted some of the targets in the passing game onto Cook's plate. Either way, he sets up as a solid RB2 in fantasy with an RB1 ceiling if he starts catching more passes.
Aug 13, 2025 9:13 AM EST
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook signed a four-year, $48 million contract extension on Wednesday. Cook had been holding-in throughout training camp but returned to practice on Tuesday as the two sides were apparently getting close to a deal. The contract extension has a $30 million guarantee and will keep Cook in Buffalo as their primary back for the near future. With Cook back in the fold, fantasy managers can confidently draft him as a solid RB2 heading into drafts later this summer. His return bumps Ty Johnson and Ray Davis back to reserve roles, although they should remain involved as Cook played on just 48% of the team's offensive snaps in 2024.
Aug 13, 2025 8:05 AM EST
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook is expected to practice on Tuesday, according to head coach Sean McDermott. Cook has been holding in at camp for over a week while calling his absence a "business decision." He dressed for Buffalo's first preseason game against the New York Giants on Saturday but refused to take the field. According to McDermott, the Bills and Cook have been having good conversations, which may have led to Cook's change of heart when it comes to practicing. Assuming Cook continues to participate throughout the remainder of training camp, Cook sets up as a solid RB2 in fantasy drafts later this summer.
Aug 12, 2025 9:21 AM EST
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook is "not willing to play" as he continues to seek a contract extension with the Buffalo Bills. Cook is currently participating in a "hold-in" during the team's practices. He did not participate during their opening preseason game on Saturday afternoon. While the 25-year-old was present and participated during the team's early practice sessions in the offseason, this past week, he has opted not to participate as he seeks an extension. Fantasy managers should continue to keep a close eye on his status in case this holdout continues to extend into the final weeks of the preseason. Last season, Cook enjoyed a career year as he found the back of the end zone 18 times, including 16 times on the ground. He also racked up over 1,000 yards on the ground for the second-straight campaign. While Cook continues to remain sidelined, fantasy managers should expect Ray Davis and Ty Johnson to serve as the top options in the backfield.
Aug 9, 2025 5:56 PM EST
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook was seen in full uniform going through pre-game warmups on Saturday before the team's preseason opener versus the New York Giants, according to ESPN's Alaina Getzenberg. Cook started training camp this summer participating with the team, but he recently made the decision to sit out of practices as he continues to negotiate a contract extension with the organization. It's unclear if the 25-year-old will actually take part in the preseason game on Saturday against the Giants, but it could be a sign that both sides are inching closer towards getting something done as he enters the final year of his current deal. Securing an extension would make Cook a more attractive RB2 target in fantasy as he comes off a second straight 1,000-yard rushing season with a league-high 16 touchdowns. Cooks remains Buffalo's RB1, but fantasy managers need to plan for plenty of TD regression.
Aug 9, 2025 1:16 PM EST
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook has continued to miss practice. According to Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN, the running back did not come out during Thursday's session, which marks his fourth-straight missed session. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status as Cook continues his "hold in" as he seeks a new contract. While it is a good sign to see Cook in the building, seeing him remain off the field could put his availability for the regular season in doubt. In the meantime, fantasy managers should expect Ray Davis and Ty Johnson to see most of the opportunities out of the backfield. Last season, Cook found the back of the end zone an impressive 16 times while tallying 1,009 yards on the ground. If he is able to settle this dispute, he should be viewed as a high-end RB2 playing a potent Buffalo offense.
Aug 7, 2025 10:49 AM EST
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook will not practice again on Wednesday at training camp as he continues his hold-in, according to head coach Sean McDermott. Cook took part in practices during the spring and began training camp practicing with the rest of the team before changing his tune recently while in the midst of contract-extension talks. The 25-year-old will miss a third straight practice as he heads into the final year of his current deal. The former second-rounder (63rd overall) in 2022 out of Georgia had 1,000 rushing yards for the second straight season in 2024 and also led the NFL with 16 rushing touchdowns on 207 carries over 16 regular-season starts. Cook will regress in the TD department, but a new extension would go a long way to securing a workhorse role for him again in 2025 while he tries to hold off Ray Davis and Ty Johnson in the backfield.
Aug 6, 2025 12:32 PM EST
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook is not practicing for a second-straight day as his hold-in continues. Cook was spotted walking out to practice on Monday morning, but was not in uniform as he continues to angle for a new contract. The veteran running back is entering the final year of his rookie contract and has been pushing for a long-term extension with Buffalo throughout the offseason, although the team has not met his demands as of yet. As of now, Cook's hold in isn't a huge concern for fantasy as he is still likely to be the Bills' starting running back in Week 1 against the Baltimore Ravens. That said, if his hold-in continues deep into August, conditioning could become a concern. He remains worth a look as a mid-range RB2 in fantasy drafts.
Aug 4, 2025 10:10 AM EST
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook did not practice at training camp on Sunday and when asked why he wasn't present, responded, "Business." When asked if he would return to practice on Monday, Cook said, "business." ESPN's Alaina Getzenberg says that Cook kept repeating "business." There were questions as to whether Cook would hold out during training camp this summer as he seeks a new contract extension, but he showed up and had been practicing with the team until now. The 25-year-old sounds unhappy that he hasn't been able to lock up an extension with the Bills so far in camp, so he may refuse to practice until that happens. The two-time Pro Bowler had 1,009 rushing yards and a league-high 16 touchdowns in his third season in 2024 and is heading into the final year of his deal in 2025. A hold-in will allow both Ray Davis and Ty Johnson more reps in Buffalo's backfield.
Aug 3, 2025 1:52 PM EST
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook has been pushing for a larger role during the first week of training camp. Cook wants to play more on third downs this season after the team mostly turned to Ty Johnson on passing downs in 2024. Thus far in camp, the Bills haven't appeared interested in changing their offense after getting excellent production from their rushing attack last year. Cook will be a free agent after the season, so he likely wants to show that he can be a three-down back as he has an eye on securing a long-term deal for 2026 and beyond. Cook finished as a low-end RB1 in fantasy in 2024, although he benefited from 16 rushing touchdowns. Fantasy managers can continue to draft Cook as a high-end RB2 in upcoming drafts with the possibility for more if the Buffalo coaching staff decides to throw him the ball a bit more frequently.
Jul 30, 2025 8:35 AM EST
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook, who is entering the final year of his current contract in 2025, said he never thought about holding out at training camp and is confident a deal will be reached eventually. "I'm never gonna give up. I deserve what I want. ... It's gonna get done, wherever it happens at," Cook said. The 25-year-old former second-rounder in 2022 out of Georgia easily had the best year of his career in 2024, rushing for 1,009 yards and a league-high 16 touchdowns on 207 carries while also adding 32 receptions for 258 yards and another two scores in 16 regular-season starts. With or without an extension, Cook is Buffalo's clear lead back, but Ray Davis and Ty Johnson aren't going away and will remain involved in an offense that likes to spread the ball around. One thing is for certain, fantasy managers cannot count on double-digit TDs again after Cook rushed for four touchdowns his first two seasons.
Jul 24, 2025 12:31 PM EST
Despite not having a new contract, Buffalo Bills running back James Cook was a full participant in the first training camp practice on Wednesday, according to ESPN's Alaina Getzenberg. Regardless of his contract situation entering the 2025 season, Cook cemented himself as Buffalo's clear lead back last year by rushing for 1,009 yards and a league-leading 16 touchdowns on 207 rushing attempts in 16 regular-season games after scoring just twice on the ground in 2023. While Cook finally saw some more goal-line opportunities, fantasy managers should be expecting major regression in the TD department in 2025. An extension would definitely give the Bills more incentive to keep feeding Cook, who doesn't have the body type to be a physical, between-the-tackles runner. Ray Davis and Ty Johnson will remain involved as well, making Cook more of a high-end RB2 target in fantasy.
Jul 23, 2025 1:52 PM EST
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook will report to Bills training camp despite his ongoing contract dispute, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Cook is looking for a new contract after his 23-touchdown season last year and is a candidate to be a "hold-in" this preseason, meaning he would attend practices and meetings (while avoiding fines) but not actually take part in practice. Cook is looking for an extension as he heads into the final year of his rookie deal, and he stayed away from the team through OTAs before attending mandatory minicamp in mid-June. With Cook in search of a big deal and entering a contract year, some reports are suggesting the team could turn to more of a committee with Ray Davis and Ty Johnson getting more work alongside Cook this season. Cook's status and potential new deal will be one of the top stories for the Bills this preseason, as they look to win a sixth straight AFC East title. Cook is an elite fantasy running back if he's in the workhorse role, as expected, but keep an eye on his contract situation since it could impact his availability down the line.
Jul 22, 2025 10:44 AM EST
ESPN's Alaina Getzenberg writes that Buffalo Bills running back James Cook, despite seeking a contract extension, was a full participant in the team's three-day mandatory minicamp this week. General manager Brandon Beane said the "relationship's very good and I know [Cook's] going to be ready to roll when we get to [training camp in] Rochester." Cook said earlier this week that he plans to be at training camp this summer, but he didn't specify if he'd actually be taking part in workouts. Beane said Cook "looks good out there. You can tell he's been working." It sounds like the two sides are working towards a deal, but Cook could hold in during training camp. Cook was the RB8 in half-PPR scoring in 2024 with his second straight 1,000-yard rushing season and a league-high 16 rushing TDs. Regression is coming in the TD department after he scored four rushing touchdowns in his first two NFL seasons.
Jun 14, 2025 11:05 AM EST
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook is officially present at mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, although it's unclear how much he'll actually participate this week as he seeks a new long-term deal, a source tells NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Cook skipped voluntary organized team activities in April and May but wasn't ready to be fined by skipping minicamp as he looks for a new deal as he heads into the final year of his current deal. The 25-year-old former second-rounder had a big year for the Bills and fantasy managers in his third season in 2024. After scoring four rushing touchdowns combined in his first two seasons, Cook broke out with a league-high 16 TDs on the ground while finishing with 1,009 rushing yards on 207 carries. He added 32 catches for 258 yards and two more scores. The two-time Pro Bowler will face serious TD regression in 2025 but should still be the unquestioned RB1 in Buffalo.
Jun 10, 2025 12:31 PM EST
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook is currently in Buffalo and will attend mandatory minicamp this week, a source tells the Circling the Wagons Podcast. Cook and the Bills aren't close to agreeing to a contract extension, which led to the belief that the 25-year-old wouldn't show up for minicamp this week. However, Cook may have reconsidered so that he won't be fined. He didn't show up for voluntary organized team activities in April and May as he heads into the final year of his current contract. The two-time Pro Bowler had his second straight 1,000-yard rushing season and also led the NFL with 16 rushing touchdowns in 16 regular-season starts in 2024, adding 32 catches for 258 yards and two more TDs. Fantasy managers need to expect regression in the TD department. Remember, he had only two scores on the ground in each of 2022 and 2023. RotoBaller has Cook ranked as the RB13 going into 2025.
Jun 9, 2025 9:28 PM EST
ESPN's Adam Schefter noted on The Adam Schefter Podcast that he would not be surprised if Buffalo Bills running back James Cook did not attend the team's mandatory minicamp next week. "I don't believe that these two sides are anywhere close to a deal at this point in time," said the NFL Insider. Cook is in the final year of his rookie deal and rightfully wants a new contract. However, he's looking to get paid upwards of $20 million annually, which would put him on par with the Eagles' Saquon Barkley. The 25-year-old was excellent in 2024, but he'll likely need to drop his expectations somewhat as he looks for a new agreement. It wouldn't be ideal for him to miss time, considering we've seen what lengthy holdouts can do to a player's early-season production. We'll learn more when Buffalo holds their next organized activities in a few days.
Jun 7, 2025 3:06 PM EST
NFL Network' Cameron Wolfe reports that every Buffalo Bills player is present for organized team activities on Tuesday except for running back James Cook, who is seeking a new long-term contract extension. We're still in the voluntary portion of the offseason schedule, so Cook won't be fined, but the 25-year-old wants the team to reward him with an extension as he heads into the final year of his rookie deal. The next change for Cook to show up will be for mandatory minicamp, which runs from June 10-12. It's unclear if Cook plans on holding out into training camp this summer if he doesn't have a new contract by then, but if he reports and is active for Week 1 of the 2025 regular season, he'll be Buffalo's clear RB1 after his second straight 1,000-yard rushing season and a league-high 16 rushing TDs in 2024. Fantasy managers should expect TD regression for the two-time Pro Bowler.
May 27, 2025 1:04 PM EST
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook skipped the initial portion of the team's voluntary offseason workout program, but general manager Brandon Beane expects him to be ready for football when the time comes. Cook's holdout stems from contract talks, which are ongoing between the running back and team executives. "I know we've had people in the building that he's been talking with, and I have no doubt when it's time to play football, he'll be ready to roll," Beane said. Although an exact timeline is unclear, Cook could return as soon as June 10, when the Bills begin their mandatory minicamp for veteran players. Per the terms of the CBA, any player who misses all three days of mandatory minicamp will be hit with fines exceeding $100,000 total. That amount could be a drop in the bucket compared to Cook's next contract, but it's still a significant price to pay for missing three days of practice. Extending Cook would be in the Bills' best interest after he totaled 1,267 scrimmage yards and a career-high 18 touchdowns last season.
May 8, 2025 7:58 AM EST
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook did not report to the start of the organization's voluntary OTAs, according to general manager Brandon Beane. The former second-round pick out of Georgia posted his second consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season in 2024 and is seeking a contract extension worth $15 million annually. In 16 games last season, Cook posted 1,009 yards on 207 carries and caught 32 passes for 258 yards. He found the end zone 18 times. It remains to be seen if Cook is a candidate to hold out of mandatory OTAs or training camp, but for now, it's too early to have any significant takeaways. If he's the clear starter in Buffalo next season, he'll continue to have RB1 upside in an offense led by MVP quarterback Josh Allen.
Apr 22, 2025 2:59 PM EST
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