The Buffalo Bills closed out their first week of training camp at St. John Fisher University on Sunday, July 27.
While there’s always buzz around the Bills with superstar quarterback Josh Allen at the helm, there’s an even bigger spotlight on the squad right now. HBO’s cameras are in Rochester filming the team for this summer’s “Hard Knocks” docuseries, and running back James Cook is sure to be a major storyline.
The Bills’ second-round pick from the 2022 NFL draft has emerged as one of Allen’s top targets. After registering 237 rushes for 1,122 yards and two touchdowns in 2024, he went off with 1,009 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns last season. He also notched 32 receptions for 258 yards and two receiving scores.
GettyBills running back James Cook at Camping World Stadium on February 02, 2025.
While Cook looks to be a key part of Buffalo’s offense in 2025, he also wants to get paid like it. The 25-year-old is looking to make $15 million a year, but he still has one season left on his rookie contract, and the Bills haven’t budged.
“We have talks,” Cook told reporters after reporting to training camp. “I mean, I deserve what I want, I need, and it’s going to eventually happen.” On whether he’s confident in getting the bag from Buffalo, “However it happens, it’s going to get done. Wherever it happens at.”
Bills QB Josh Allen Called James Cook ‘One Of The Best Practicing Players’
GettyBills quarterback Josh Allen and running back James Cook during the AFC Wild Card Playoffs on January 12, 2025.
While some players hold out from training camp amid contract negotiations, Cook isn’t trying to be fined. “Come out here and just show them that I’m ready to go and earn what I’ve got to go get,” he said. “I’m showing my teammates I love the game and I’m willing to be out here.”
Cook’s made good on his promise. Speaking to NFL Network‘s Tom Pelissero and Michael Robinson on Sunday, “He is one of the best practicing players I’ve ever been around”, Allen said.
As for the running back’s contract situation, the league MVP couldn’t comment. However, he did gush over Cook’s talent and demeanor. “I don’t get to control anything about the off-the-field stuff, but god I frickin love that guy,” Allen said. “He plays so hard, he plays the right way, he’s very selfless, and an awesome human being.”
The love goes both ways, as Allen is a huge reason Cook wants to remain in Buffalo long-term. “Quarterback, and the fans,” Cooke said. “It’s a great organization, and I mean, they drafted me. They drafted me for a reason, I feel like, and I’m willing to be here and spend the rest of my career here.”
Bills GM Brandon Beane Is ‘Hopeful’ They Can Extend James Cook
During a press conference last week, Bills general manager Brandon Beane reiterated that he loves Cook, but other factors play into making him one of the league’s highest-paid running backs.
“Sometimes you can’t get on the same page or sometimes you’re trying to fit it in,” Beane said. “There’s times guys have left here that we really wanted. We just couldn’t make it work. But I can tell you, I’m hopeful, when we’re sitting here at next year’s training camp that James Cook is out there practicing and still representing the red, white and blue.”
Bills QB Josh Allen Doesn’t Hold Back Opinion on James Cook