Everything looked fine for Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane until Sunday. When Josh Allen and the rest of the players started to get ready to practice, running back James Cook remained in street clothes and watched the session from outside.

Beane spoke to Sal Capaccio of WGR and said that Cook’s plan was “not something they were fully aware of until shortly before practice” and that the hope is to have Cook back on the field soon. The player told the reason he wasn’t practicing was “business.” Beane didn’t sound too happy with Cook’s modus operandi.

“At the end of the day, I wish we weren’t here,” Beane added. “This is my ninth season and have never had a player miss practice due to a contract, so it’s disappointing for me.” However, it seems like there is no bad blood, just mere business. Beane added that there’s been “constant communication” with Cook, who is in the last year of his rookie contract.

Who is James Cook’s backup?

As of right now, NFL veteran Ty Johnson is serving as RB2. Johnson has been on the Lions, before spending his next three years playing for the Jets, and finally landing on the Bills in 2023.

Johnson’s first year on the Bills was discreet, posting only 132 yards. However, last season he saw an upgrade as he racked up 497 yards from scrimmage and four total touchdowns. He was very productive for his role.

Cook is likely to stay

The rumblings around the NFL are that Cook will remain on the Bills roster. It’s just a matter of time for both parties to get to an agreement. However, Cook might notice some desperation for Beane after publicly saying there is disappointment as how the issue’s been managed and that this is the first time someone is holding out.

Cook might feel like he has some leverage to pressure Bean. This is the time to get the best deal. The running back also has the endorsement of quarterback Josh Allen. In 2024, Cook was the most productive weapon for the Bills as he led the team in both scrimmage yards (1,267) and total touchdowns (18).

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.

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.

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.

“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.”

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.

“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.”

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.

James Cook joined the Bills in 2022, meaning he will now begin his final year of his rookie contract. While the RB has yet to reach an agreement with the franchise on a contract extension, General Manager Beane made it clear that Cook will remain under head coach Sean McDermott’s command not only this season but also in the years to come.

“He will be here this year and hopefully beyond,” the GM Brandon Beane told Pat McAfee. “We love James and we would love nothing more than to keep him here longer term.”

The numbers of the former Georgia Bulldogs player back up his request to renegotiate his contract moving forward: Cook has back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons, and last year he tied for the NFL lead with 16 rushing touchdowns.

Beane draws curious comparison to Tom Brady’s Patriots

Despite being fierce AFC East rivals, Brandon Beane didn’t hesitate to highlight a specific trait of that Tom Brady-led team, which, alongside head coach Bill Belichick, built a lasting dynasty with the New England Patriots.

Speaking specifically during a conversation with Pat McAfee, the GM pointed to the impressive success achieved in Foxborough, despite the Patriots not having a standout wide receiver corps during much of their dynasty run.

“Look at Tom Brady, when we’re talking about some of these teams who have won Super Bowls. Look at New England. How many great, historic receivers did they have in their Super Bowl teams? But the Patriots, they were good up front, they had a good quarterback, they always had some type of run game. … There’s 100 different ways you can build it, and we’re not against good receivers.

“When you’re paying Josh Allen what you’re paying him, you’ve got to make some concessions somewhere,” Beane said. “We like our receivers, we feel strong about our receivers. And, in our opinion, it wasn’t the deepest receiver class to be trying to peg a player that would fit in our top four.”

While last season was bittersweet for Buffalo, highlighted by Allen’s MVP performance but ultimately falling short of a Super Bowl appearance, the Bills are determined to improve in 2025. With key additions and contract extensions for pivotal players like Khalil Shakir, Buffalo is setting its sights on securing a Super Bowl championship for the first time in franchise history.

Motivated by this ambition, Beane spoke with the Pat McAfee Show about Allen’s contract extension, delivering a message to players with uncertain futures. “Josh and I have a great relationship, and we keep an open dialogue,” Beane said. “We had a good conversation, and like any good deal, there’s a little give and take. We significantly improved his cash flow and were able to add a couple more years to his contract.”

Beane also addressed the situation for players still in free agency, acknowledging the difficult decisions ahead. “Sometimes we’ve had to let good players we’ve drafted move on for bigger contracts elsewhere. But this sends a message to the locker room: come in, do everything right, make plays at your position, and the Bills will try to re-sign you if they can make it work,” he explained. “At the end of the day, it’s a business. Some guys want the most money, and there’s nothing wrong with that.”

Beane discusses Allen’s impact on the Bills

As the Bills’ quarterback has made it clear that Buffalo is where he wants to be, he has done everything in his power to bring a championship to the city. Beane praised Allen’s commitment and his character, noting that Allen embodies the spirit of the Buffalo Bills.

“From the day we drafted him, we knew we liked this guy. People had questions about his talent level, and as I said at my opening press conference, when you get to meet this young man, you realize he is a Buffalo guy through and through. He’s a lunch-pail kind of guy, grew up on a farm, and he’s just the kind of person we want here,” Beane said.

Beane also mentioned Allen’s humility and leadership: “I don’t know if you saw at the honors, but he was referencing various people in the building, including Slick Rick, our mailman, just all the people he interacts with. For an MVP-caliber player to give credit not just to teammates and coaches, but to staff members—it really blew Slick Rick away.”

Other Bills players sign contract extensions

Josh Allen wasn’t the only player to secure a contract extension this week. Three other key players have also signed long-term deals, which will be crucial for the team’s goals heading into 2025.

Receiver Khalil Shakir agreed to a four-year extension worth $53 million. Defensive end Gregory Rousseau will remain with the Bills for the next four years in a deal worth $80 million. Finally, linebacker Terrell Bernard also signed a four-year extension, valued at $50 million.

With “Bills Mafia” hoping for positive news and expecting the team to build on last season’s performance, Beane discussed several key topics at the combine. One of the main takeaways was his unwavering commitment to strengthening the roster with top-tier talent.

Naturally, Miller’s contract situation came up, prompting Beane to weigh in on the veteran pass rusher’s future in Buffalo. “Last year, we tried to work on a restructure for him, and we wanted to ensure he got the best possible deal. We have a lot of respect for him and everything he has done for the team,” Beane said.

Beane added: “As the year went on, he showed he can still play. Any decisions, we’re still working through all that.” His remarks leave the door open for Miller to remain with the team next season, despite concerns about his age and recent form.

Beane addresses roster decisions for the upcoming season

With Von Miller’s status still uncertain—though trending in a positive direction—Bills general manager Brandon Beane discussed other key positions heading into the offseason. Notably, he acknowledged the team’s depth at cornerback, where Kahlil Shakir remains one of the main options. “We have Kahlil here and some other guys… We’ll look into free agency and the draft,” Beane told reporters. “You got to tackle. You got to be physical.”

Beane also touched on the defensive line, emphasizing the need for versatility. “You start with measurables. You want different pieces for different matchups. You don’t always need run stuffers… But you can’t have a roster full of guys who can’t stop the run,” he explained.

When asked about contract extensions for key players, Beane remained measured, acknowledging that evaluations are ongoing. “We’ve got a number of guys you could argue deserve extensions… Some conversations haven’t started yet,” he said.

Von Miller reflects on his future in Buffalo

As Miller approaches his 36th birthday in 2025, the veteran linebacker was candid about his future with the team. According to Sports Illustrated, he reiterated his commitment to Buffalo while acknowledging the uncertainty that comes with the game.

“I want to be here. I don’t want to speak for them, but I think they want me here, too,” Miller said. “Like I said before, if you want to make God laugh, start making plans. But I plan on being a Buffalo Bill for sure.”

Miller also reflected on the challenges he faced last season, admitting he had questioned whether it might be his final year in the league. “To be honest with you, last season, I really didn’t know. That could have easily been my last year,” he admitted. “Struggling on the football field, struggling off the football field… I was really just trying to find myself.”

Head coach Sean McDermott will be adding the defensive duties to his responsibilities, general manager Brandon Beane could strengthen the roster before Week 1 and Josh Allen vowed to take less risks.

The quarterback has frequently made the most of his dual-threat abilities, but many times he exposed himself to dangerous hits. Therefore, his willingness to have his own protection in mind is something that makes the GM happy ahead of the 2023 season.

Brandon Beane glad with Josh Allen taking less risks

“Don’t let him fool anybody,” Beane told The Jim Rome Show, as quoted byProFootballTalk. “When it’s time to make a big play or we have a gotta have it moment and he doesn’t see an opportunity to throw it, he’s gonna tuck it and run. I’m just glad he’s at least open to being a little bit smarter and picking his spots maybe a little bit more than he did last season.”

Josh Allen says he may change his approach

Allen is one of the most mobile quarterbacks in the league.However, many times it looked like he ranunnecessary extra yards, and even though injuries haven’t been a problem for him so far, he’s aware that he can’t risk getting seriously injured.

“I’ve always had the mindset of, I’ve been a football player first and a quarterback second,” Allen said about his style of play,via Lorenzo Reyes of USA Today. “At some point that is going to have to switch. When that point is, I don’t know. I guess I’ll let my body tell me.

“It sounds crazy, but I’m getting older. I know I can’t continue to do this. I know when I’m using my youth, I feel like I can, but over the course of my career, I’m going to have to learn to adapt and change.”

Allen it’s not just doing what’s best for him, but also what’s best for the team. Everyone needs to play their part to succeed, so we’ll see if this change ultimately helps the Bills challenge for the elusive title.

The defeat made a lot of noise in Buffalo, with head coach Sean McDermott claiming everyone needed to improve before the team started to make changes to the coaching staff. This offseason, therefore, they are a team to watch.

The Bills seem to be just a few pieces away from being a championship team, so Brandon Beane will have to carefully select his targets. Before they getreally busy, the general manager said the team will look for versatile players.

Bills GM Brandon Beane wants versatile players to help Josh Allen

“You’re looking for mismatches out there, you really are,” Beane said on the ‘One Bills Live’show, via ClutchPoints. “You’re trying to, is the tight end just a receiver only, and they know it, so they’re probably going to play him like a receiver. But if you can find those guys that are not a throwaway in the run game and can put their hand in the dirt and at least crack neutral.

“… It’s not like you’ve got to go fill (a need) with a receiver. We’re looking for positions on offense beyond the O-line that, where can we add a mismatch-type player.That’s where we went in and found James Cook last year, and we added (Nyheim) Hines. Just guys that you can do different pieces with that can be a mismatch from your standard receiver like a Stefon Diggs, Gabe Davis, whoever else.”

It will be interesting to see how the Bills prepare for the 2023 NFL season. It took them a long time to control their division, but that’s notenough anymore. Now, it’s time to challenge for the Vince Lombardi.

Sean McDermott‘s men had to sweat to beat the injury-marred Miami Dolphins, who almost pulled off a shock in the Wild Card with third-string QB Skylar Thompson under center. Only a week later, Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals ended the Bills’ hopes.

Another disappointing exit has made a lot of noise in the organization, who have already started to make changes in the coaching staff. General managerBrandon Beane is sold on Allen as quarterback, but still has something to complain abouthim.

Bills GM Brandon Beane worried about Josh Allen taking hits

“The only thing I’d get on to him is he’s got too many bruises on him,” Beane said, as quoted bythe Rochester Democrat & Chronicle.“And we’ve got to work on taking less hits. That’s the only reason I’m going to ever criticize Josh is just take less hits.”

Since Allen is instrumental in the Bills’ plans to challenge for a Super Bowl, Beane’s comments make sense. Allen has proven to be one of the best quarterbacks in the league, but Buffalo needs him healthy in order to believe.

Allen has taken 33 sacks in 2022, which is far too many for a QB with so much influence on his team. Of course, it’s also the offensive line’s job to protect their signal-caller, but Beane suggests Allen himself should take less risks.