The Buffalo Bills are at an impasse with their best offensive player sans league MVP Josh Allen.
Running back James Cook is searching for a long-term deal with the Bills that pays him among the most money at his position. Cook's price point as suggested by him has consistently been over $15 million per year.
The Bills have been unwilling to pay that amount - even for a player who led the league in rushing touchdowns last season with 16, and recorded back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons.
Despite the lack of negotiations, though, Cook has made it clear that his looming contract situation and this game of Chicken won't bleed into his overall life, or keep him from putting forth another special season in Buffalo.
"However it works out, it works out," Cook said when asked if he anticipates a deal on the horizon. "I mean, I just make sure the business is a business, and just do whatever I can to always be there for my teammates, and however it works out, it works out. And then we go play football."
There has been concern that Cook would be willing to sit out during OTAs and training camp in order to gain leverage for a new deal. As things stand currently, though, the Bills are not concerned over a potential hold-out or sit-ins at this time.
Cook wants a new deal as he enters the final year of his rookie contract. As things stand, though, it seems that Buffalo is going to wait at the last possible minute to get a deal done. … if one gets done at all.
And so, the impasse continues.