James Cook is the only player to not make an appearance at Buffalo Bills' OTAs. Cook has been in a contract dispute with the franchise dating back to the end of the 2024 season regarding a potential extension.
Cook wants to become one of the highest-paid running backs in the NFL. He certainly has an impressive resume, posting back-to-back 1,000 yard seasons and leading the NFL with 16 rushing touchdowns in 2024.
Still, the Bills have been tentative to give the two-time Pro Bowler a salary of $15 million, as he has requested on social media. This dispute could lead to Cook's time as a Bill nearing the end, either through a trade or Cook hitting free agency after the upcoming season.
Sporting News' Jarrett Bailey compiled a list of potential trades the Bills could consider if they were to deal Cook. All of the packages involve Buffalo receiving draft capital, and two of them have the Bills taking on another running back.
If Cook holds out or gets dealt, Buffalo will likely have to invest in another running back in one form or another. Ty Johnson has excelled as a third-down back and as a receiver out of the backfield for Buffalo, but only took 41 carries in 2024.
Ray Davis has shown some flashes for the Bills, but had half the workload that Cook did and only averaged 3.9 yards per carry. The Bills may not be ready to make Davis a lead back heading into his second NFL season at 26 years old.
The offer that gives the Bills the most draft capital is the one involving the Washington Commanders. Cook would be a great piece in Washington's offense, and the Bills would attach a fourth-round pick for a pair of draft selections.
"Bills receive: 2026 third-round pick, 2026 sixth-round pick
Commanders receive: RB James Cook, 2026 fourth-round pick" Bailey proposed.
"The Commanders are clearly going all in to take advantage of Jayden Daniels' rookie contract." Bailey wrote. "They traded for Houston Texans left tackle Laremy Tunsil and San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel, and now they can get a high-caliber running back, as well. [James] Cook leading the way in the backfield with Terry McLaurin and Samuel serving as Daniels' top targets would make the Commanders even more dangerous."