Josh Allen may have subtly suggested Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane what to do with James Cook. Even if the reigning NFL MVP doesn’t want to get directly involved in those contract talks, his recent comments about his teammate show how he feels about the running back’s presence on the team.
Speaking on NFL Network‘s “Back Together Weekend” on Sunday, Allen let everyone know how highly he thinks of Cook. Though he avoided to weigh in on the negotiations between the player and the team, the quarterback’s praise for Cook’s work ethic may give Beane plenty to think about.
“I’ll tell you what he is, one of the best practicing players I’ve ever been around,” Allen said of Cook. “… I don’t get to control anything about off-the-field stuff but god, I frickin’ love that guy. He plays so hard, he plays the right way, he’s very selfless, and again, he’s just an awesome human being.”
James Cook’s contract situation in Buffalo
Cook, who turns 26 in September, is entering the final of his four-year rookie deal with the Bills. However, there has been little progress on contract talks this offseason, as the front office has so far been reluctant to meet his salary demands.
Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills hands off the ball to teammate James Cook #4 in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos during the AFC Wild Card Playoffs at Highmark Stadium on January 12, 2025 in Orchard Park, New York.
While Cook expects to be paid $15 million per year, it appears that Beane and company aren’t sure he’s worth that kind of money yet. However, with Allen now stressing Cook’s importance for his offense, the Bills may want to reconsider their stance ahead of the 2025 NFL season.
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Cook believes a new deal will get done
In the meantime, Cook has been acting like a true professional. Instead of holding out, he showed up to mandatory minicamp and continues to work under Sean McDermott in training camp. After all, he is confident that an agreement will be reached soon.
“I mean, however it happens, it’s going to get done, wherever it happens,” Cook said after Thursday’s practice in the second day of training camp. “I deserve what I want, what I need, and it’s eventually going to happen.”
Beane hints at Bills’ intentions with Cook
Whether Allen’s words have an effect on his teammate’s situation remains to be seen. A day before Cook addressed the media, Beane admitted his intention is to extend the running back’s stay with the Bills, citing the salary cap as a stumbling block.
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“Sometimes you can’t get on the same page or sometimes you’re trying to fit it in. There’s times guys have left here that we really wanted. We just couldn’t make it work,” Beane said. “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.”
