Buffalo Bills running back James Cook had no reason to attend mandatory workouts this offseason. ... outside of avoiding fines, as he noted this week with a smile. He has been pushing hard for a new contract with the team and hasn't been pleased with the direction the conversations have taken.
He showed up anyway.
Again, Cook may have commented on the decision to attend mandatory minicamp as a player avoiding fines, but the fact that he showed up to any offseason work is helpful.
And it sends a message of positivity.
The fact that Cook is committed enough and comfortable enough to show up suggests maybe he is willing to play ball with Buffalo.
"Our interactions with Jimbo have been good the whole time throughout," Beane shared. "Jimbo, he's a pro, he's a competitive dude. He loves to win.
"Of course, he wants to take care of himself. Everyone does, and we love to see that …It's good to see him. He looks good out there. You can tell he's been working."
Cook, who has talked of wanting a $15 million APY salary, clearly went out of his way to extend an olive branch to Buffalo. Now it is the Bills' turn to try and do right by their star running back and give him a contract he is worth.
Until that happens, this conundrum in Western New York might worsen. ... but it'll help a great deal if Cook continues to show up for practices.