A new NFL season is just around the corner, and with it, many franchises are dreaming of making a deep run. The Buffalo Bills are once again considered serious contenders — but to get there, they’ll need all their key players available. The unresolved situation surrounding James Cook has become a topic of discussion, prompting GM Brandon Beane to share his thoughts on the matter.
One of Josh Allen’s primary offensive weapons has been absent from training camp, as he continues to hold out while his situation with the franchise remains unresolved.
While little is known at this point about a potential resolution between both sides, Beane remains confident that a deal will eventually be reached — and that Cook will be able to start next year’s preparations alongside his teammates.
“James is a competitive dude. He’s a stud. He’s a great teammate,” the GM said in his press conference. “He wants to be here. He loves ball. So many of the things that we learned about James through the scouting process — and it’s been fun to watch him grow and mature on and off the field. He’s got a calmness to him.
James Cook #4 of the Buffalo Bills catches a pitch during a 44-42 loss to the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on December 08, 2024 in Inglewood, California.
“Of course, who doesn’t want to get paid? And that’s the hard part of this job, is I do want to pay them all. I mean, I really do, especially the ones that are working hard, they’re producing on the field, their teammates love them, the fans love them. James fits Buffalo. But sometimes, you know, you can’t get on the same page or sometimes, you’re trying to fit it in. Or sometimes, 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.”
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The good relationship between both sides
While James Cook’s contract situation with the Bills has yet to reach a resolution, GM Brandon Beane emphasized that the relationship between both sides remains strong — though, of course, each party is looking out for its own interests.
“We’ve always had a good relationship,” the GM said of Cook. “As I’ve said all along, I love James Cook. I want nothing more — you know how I am, I want to draft, develop, re-sign our own. It is a business. We have to fit it in, not only cash, but cap. And sometimes it’s not — you can look at it and say, well, you go this website or whatever, they could fit him in if they did this and this.
“But we also have to look at ’26, ’27, and beyond because you can walk yourself into one of those years where you’re like, oh man, there’s not a lot of guys we can take down on those years. We would have to trade or cut someone that we wouldn’t want to lose. So, it’s not only 2025 when we’re doing a deal with him or any other player. So, all those things have to make sense for us to fit it in.“
He also added: “But, love James. He looks good. You can tell he’s been working. I thought he looked good in June camp and I think everyone knows I’m going to have an open dialogue with the players, that’s just who I am. And we’ll let the business take care of itself.”
James Cook’s role in the Bills’ offense
With uncertainty still looming over the running back’s future with the team, failing to reach an agreement would represent a significant loss for Sean McDermott. Since arriving in Buffalo in 2022, he has rushed for 2,638 yards and 20 touchdowns in his career. He’s also caught 97 passes for 883 yards and seven touchdowns.
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