Are the Buffalo Bills ever going to make a decision on what to do with running back James Cook?
The former second-round pick out of Georgia led the league in rushing touchdowns last season, and has recorded over 1,000 yards rushing in back-to-back years. Entering the final year of his rookie contract, Cook is looking for a new deal.
And he believes that his body of work allows him to ask for a large salary. Some reports have speculated that the star is looking for around $15 million per year on a deal.
No matter what the amount is, the Bills clearly are apprehensive as to whether to give Cook that deal.
So much so that NFL reporter Gilberto Manzano questioned the different avenues the team could go down.
"The running back market continues to go up after the recent extensions for Barkley and Henry, but the team probably doesn’t view Cook worthy of a contract worth $15 million per year," Manzano said. "Buffalo could always force Cook to play on the expiring contract with hopes of working out a deal after the season.
"Or maybe they’re not close on financial numbers and decide to trade Cook before the 2025 season."
As things stand right now, Cook doesn't have the leverage to get the kind of contract he wants. As good as he is, Buffalo's offense is led by Josh Allen. No running back will be able to measure up to that reality.
At the same time, the trade suggestion here amounts to rumor-mongering; there is no evidence to suggest that is a real "path.''
But in the end?
It's that $15 mil that is the big reason why the Bills simply refuse to budge on their original offer to a strong starter like Cook.