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James Cook Reports to Bills Camp While Extension Talks Remain Unresolved

The Bills face cap constraints after major extensions with the franchise tag serving as a fallback option.

Jul 23, 2025; Rochester, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills running back James Cook (4) on the field during training camp at St. John Fisher University. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images/File Photo
James Cook #4 of the Buffalo Bills celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on December 15, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan.
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Overview

  • Cook has publicly fixed his asking price at $15 million per year, citing consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and a franchise-record 16 rushing touchdowns in 2024.
  • He reported on time and fully participated in the opening sessions of training camp, choosing to continue on-field preparation instead of staging a holdout.
  • GM Brandon Beane reiterated his commitment to retaining homegrown talent yet emphasized the need to balance Cook’s contract with both current cap limits and long-term roster planning.
  • The franchise tag, estimated at $13 million to $14 million for running backs in 2026, remains Buffalo’s fallback if a multi-year extension cannot be finalized.
  • Cook’s comments suggest he is prepared to play elsewhere should Buffalo be unable to meet his valuation, although he has expressed a preference to stay in Orchard Park.