The Buffalo Bills, along with several other NFL teams, began their Organized Team Activities (OTAs) on Tuesday with high hopes of bouncing back after last season’s heartbreaking AFC Championship loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. However, the team was already dealt some tough news.
In addition to newly signed pass rusher Joey Bosa being sidelined until training camp with a calf injury, the Bills faced another setback when star running back James Cook was reportedly a "no-show" at Tuesday’s OTAs as he continues to seek a new long-term contract.
While OTAs are voluntary and Cook isn’t expected to face any immediate discipline, it’s still concerning not to have one of the team’s top playmakers on the field alongside all of his teammates. Unless the situation changes soon, Cook could end up missing more significant time.
James Cook has been open about the contract he’s seeking—roughly $15 million annually—as he prepares to enter the fourth year of his rookie deal in 2025. Last season, he rushed for over 1,000 yards for the second time in his NFL career.
On 207 carries totaling 1,009 yards, Cook also scored an impressive 16 rushing touchdowns and added two receiving touchdowns out of the backfield. Aside from quarterback Josh Allen, who touches the ball every possession, no player on the Bills’ offense saw more volume than Cook. Without him, the team faces a significant void.
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
While the expectation remains that a deal will be reached in due time, the fact that every other member of the Bills was present at OTAs except for Cook is a clear reminder that the clock is ticking for Buffalo to come to terms with their star running back.