Overview

• Buffalo Bills GM Brandon Beane confirmed that contract negotiations with running back James Cook have been paused, with no immediate plans to resume talks before the season.
• Cook, entering the final year of his rookie contract, had requested a $15 million annual salary, which would make him the NFL's second-highest paid running back.
• Despite Cook's strong performance, including back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and a league-leading 16 rushing touchdowns last year, the Bills prioritized extending other players, such as cornerback Christian Benford.
• The Bills cited salary cap constraints, ranking 30th in available space, and Cook's reported workload and pass-blocking limitations as factors in their decision.
• Beane left open the possibility of revisiting an extension next offseason, but for now, Cook will play out his final contract year without a new deal in place.