A Buffalo Bills standout sparked speculation about his future by listing his home for sale shortly after GM Brandon Beane cast doubt about giving him a new contract.
Bills running back James Cook listed his Orchard Park, N.Y. residence for sale this week, according to Nick Veronica of WIVB. Photos from the listing show framed jerseys and even game balls on display inside the home.
The timing of the listing will certainly raise eyebrows. Cook is entering the final season of his rookie deal, and Beane had said Sunday that the team does not anticipate getting a new deal done with the running back. Beane also hinted at some frustration with Cook publicly agitating for a new deal, saying the team would “prefer we don’t take the business outside.”
A Buffalo Bills helmet on the turf
Sep 24, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; A view of a Buffalo Bills player’s helmet on the sidelines against the Washington Commanders at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Brandon Beane called RB James Cook "a beautiful man."
💰: "The business is the business. Would I prefer we don't take the business outside? Yes, I think that's always the best way to handle it…Just because we're not on the same page today doesn't mean we wouldn't be tomorrow." pic.twitter.com/3KXXuOGPMr
— Nick Veronica (@NickVeronica) February 25, 2025
Cook has not shied away from voicing his desire for a new deal on social media. When Saquon Barkley received a new contract from the Philadelphia Eagles last month, Cook was quick to draw attention to it, and called it “good business.”
Good business ! https://t.co/nwfFJNbbt1
— James Cook (@thegreat__4) March 4, 2025
Cook listing his house for sale is not necessarily an indication that he plans to leave Buffalo. Still, it feels like a bit of a statement given where he and the organization stand with each other right now. The Bills have signed a number of key contributors to new contracts this offseason, including wide receiver Khalil Shakir, pass rusher Greg Rousseau, and cornerback Christian Benford. Cook, however, is being left on his rookie deal for now.
Cook has become a valuable cog in Buffalo’s offense. Last season, he rushed for 1,009 yards and a league-high 16 touchdowns. He has been selected for the Pro Bowl in each of the last two seasons.