Up until today, there were a lot of thoughts on what would happen with James Cook and whether or not he would report to mandatory minicamp for the Buffalo Bills. Since the end of the playoffs last season, there has been some tension and drama between Cook and the Bills. Heading into a contract year with the Bills, Cook wants to get paid big time but both sides have not been able to come to an agreement on a contract within the same ballpark.
Cook wants north of $15 million per year and it doesn’t seem like Brandon Beane is willing to cave to that type of deal. So, for now, the sides remain talking in hopes that Cook can get a long-term deal. However, there is a possibility that the 2025 season could be Cook’s last one in Buffalo.
The good news for now is that Cook is at mandatory minicamp, shockingly. Most of the time, players who are seeking new deals don’t report to minicamps. Two top players that come to mind who are in this situation are Trey Hendrickson of the Bengals and T.J. Watt of the Steelers. The good news is that Cook is not in the same category and he provided some reassurance that he will be at minicamp practicing.
Latest James Cook update shows Cook is handling situation as a professional
According to Alex Brasky, James Cook has told the media that he “plans to participate at training camp this summer” and that “he has to be out there with his teammates” in “order to compete for a Super Bowl and have a winning season”.
James Cook says he plans to participate at training camp this summer: “In order to compete for a Super Bowl and have a winning season, I have to be out there with my teammates.” #Bills #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/HHk8IpBTa6
— alex brasky (@alexbrasky) June 10, 2025
After all of the drama that has unfolded between Cook and the Bills, Cook is now taking the right approach of being with the team (that is clearly ready to win) and who knows, maybe this will show the front office that he wants to be in Buffalo beyond 2025.
Now granted, he may very well still stand his ground about getting paid no less than $15 million per year. That’s a conversation that Beane and his staff are going to have to have and see whether they think he’s worth it, or take the chance of losing him next year in free agency.
Fans may have their opinions on Cook after this past offseason, for better or for worse. However, we cannot deny now that Cook is putting the best interest for the team by not only showing up for minicamp, but also stating that he will be at training camp later on in the summer.
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