James Cook loves his teammates. And he really, really likes his money.
Put the two together and it's no surprise the Buffalo Bills' star running back showed up at minicamp Tuesday morning.
“I like my money. Definitely do,” Cook told reporters. "So, that’s why I’m here.”
Though he wants a new contract after leading the NFL in rushing touchdowns last season, Cook ended an offseason away from voluntary workouts to avoid fines for missing the mandatory minicamp that could've surpassed $100,000.
“I mean, why not? I’m here. I’m part of the team,” Cook said when asked why he participated in team drills. “I’m a leader. So, just got to practice and get the job done.”
He said he also plans to attend next month's training camp, though he wouldn't commit to practicing in pads without a new contract.
“I love those guys,” Cook said of teammates that signed new contracts this offseason. "I mean, whatever they got paid, they got paid. That’s not my problem. I mean, why would I get mad over something that they got? I’m happy for them, actually. So, however it gets done with this deal — or however you want to say — it gets done. But in the meantime, I’m here to work and be where my feet are.”
The Bills' three-day minicamp is the team's last grouping until training camp at the end of July.
Cook, a second-round pick in 2022, is entering the final year of his rookie contract. He has rushed for 1,000 yards in each of the last two seasons and led the league with 16 rushing touchdowns last season. He'd like a new contract before the season, but apparently isn't willing to make it a distraction to his team.
"I really appreciate him being here," Bills' head coach Sean McDermott said. "I credit James. Business is business at the end of the day. I know he loves being around this team and the guys in the locker room, and he loves to play football. So, respect his decision to be here and be amongst the team and get some work in today, and we're looking forward to that."