_Editor’s note: This is the eighth part of a series previewing the Bills’ position groups as training camp looms. Today: Running backs._
James Cook delivered the quote of the spring for the Buffalo Bills.
“I like my money,” the team’s running back said, when asked why he decided to attend mandatory minicamp after skipping voluntary practices.
Bills running back James Cook is expected to participate at the start of training camp even as he desires a contract extension.
Harry Scull Jr., Buffalo News
That’s a darn good answer. It’s also the reason why Cook is expected to be in attendance next week when training camp officially opens at St. John Fisher University in Pittsford, even as he publicly desires a new contract from the team. Holding out would subject him to fines, and as he said, he likes his money too much to deal with those.
You can bet with the “Hard Knocks” cameras following the team around during camp, Cook’s situation will be front and center on the HBO show.
As he heads into the final year of his rookie deal, the production in 2024 was obviously there, but the question of whether he is truly a complete running back – one who can run between the tackles, outside, catch passes and be a trusted blocker, remains.
On the roster: 6
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James Cook, Ty Johnson, Ray Davis, Frank Gore Jr., Darrynton Evans, Reggie Gilliam (fullback).
How many on the final 53?
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Four – Cook, Johnson, Davis, Gilliam.
Most impactful offseason move
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Not extending Cook. The Bills sent a message to their No. 1 running back that they need to see more, especially considering all of the other contract extensions handed out by general manager Brandon Beane.
Last season, Cook played 48% of the offensive snaps. His gaudy touchdown numbers (16 rushing, two receiving) might lead you to believe he was on the field more than he actually was. Cook actually played less than in 2023, when he was on the field for 55% of the offensive snaps.
Cook is a pro, so don’t bet on his contract status becoming a distraction. He’ll show up and do his work, but will he be rewarded for it? That remains to be seen.
Biggest question to answer in camp
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Will Cook’s role expand? Basically all the truly elite running backs in the NFL play at least 60% of their team’s offensive snaps. It’s hard to see the Bills paying Cook an eight-figure salary to be on the field for less than half the offensive snaps.
If he’s going to command that type of money, he has to be trusted in all situations. We can debate whether offensive coordinator Joe Brady made the right call in having Johnson on the field for the decisive drive against the Chiefs in the AFC championship game, but the fact Cook wasn’t out there speaks loudly.
Battle to watch
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Ty Johnson vs. Ray Davis. This is for who will emerge as the team’s No. 2 option at the position. Last year, it was clearly Johnson, who played 29% of the offensive snaps compared to Davis, who played 22% − a total that was inflated by the team’s meaningless Week 18 game against the Patriots.
Davis showed in his limited sample size that he’s a complete running back. The issue is, Cook was fantastic on early downs and Johnson is the ideal third-down back.
Under-the-radar player
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Darrynton Evans. The Bills had Evans in training camp in 2024, but placed him on injured reserve after he hurt his hamstring in the preseason finale against Carolina. Evans was eventually released from injured reserve in October and signed with the Chicago Bears. He appeared in five games for the Bears, but logged just three carries. The Bills clearly see something in Evans, because they brought him back again this offseason. It would probably take an injury for Evans to have a realistic chance at the 53-man roster, but he does have the ability to contribute on special teams.
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