Overview

• James Cook, coming off a career-best season, sought a $15 million annual extension, but negotiations with the Buffalo Bills have stalled.
• General Manager Brandon Beane stated that the team is not close to meeting Cook's contract demands, citing salary cap constraints and other priorities.
• The Bills recently extended cornerback Christian Benford with a four-year, $76 million deal, prioritizing him and other players over Cook.
• Cook has delivered back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons and led the NFL in touchdowns last season, but his workload and pass-blocking limitations may have influenced the team's hesitation.
• Beane left open the possibility of resuming negotiations next offseason before Cook becomes a free agent, but his long-term future with the team remains uncertain.