Mid June marks the quiet portion of the NFL offseason. OTAs and mandatory minicamps are over, and players are off until the start of training camps.
But, that doesn't mean coaches and general managers are exactly putting their feet up, waiting for action to happen. Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox compiled a "to-do list" for each NFL team for the remainder of the offseason, and the Buffalo Bills' list has some intriguing options.
First and foremost, Knox wants the Bills to end the contract dilemma with James Cook, and pay him.
"The Buffalo Bills were only a few plays away from reaching the Super Bowl in January, so much of the offseason has been about maintaining continuity." Knox wrote. "Ascending running back James Cook should be considered a long-term piece of the puzzle."
Cook has spent the offseason being vocal about his desire for a new contract. Cook made a somewhat-surprising appearance at mandatory minicamp, which many expected him to skip out on and initiate a holdout until he got a new deal.
"While the Bills barely have any cap space remaining, general manager Brandon Beane should do what he can to extend Cook to ensure the backfield leader has no distractions in 2025." Knox wrote.
Next on Knox's list is creating a plan for Keon Coleman. Coleman was selected by the Bills in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, but his rookie season was underwhelming at best. Knox insists that Buffalo figure out how to unlock him.
"Head coach Sean McDermott and offensive coordinator Joe Brady, meanwhile, need to set up a plan for second-year receiver Keon Coleman." Knox wrote. "The 2024 second-round pick was expected to become Josh Allen's new go-to wideout, but his rookie numbers (556 yards, 4 TDs) left plenty to be desired. It's imperative that the Bills figure out how to highlight Coleman's strengths and create a rapport between him and Allen."
Last, but not least, Knox points to the safety position, writing the Bills should "examine safety options."
Knox cited analysis from fellow Bleacher Report writer Alex Ballentine, who wrote "Perhaps Cole Bishop will take on more responsibility in his second season, but the starting combo of Damar Hamlin and Taylor Rapp are the weak link of the defense as constructed."
Knox noted there are a few veteran options still available in free agency, such as Justin Simmons, Marcus Williams, and Chuck Clark.