James Cook’s absence from Sunday’s practice sent a clear message. After two Pro Bowl seasons and 16 rushing touchdowns in 2024, the Buffalo Bills’ star running back is ready to secure his financial future. With contract talks heating up and both sides reportedly close to a deal, Cook’s decision to sit out practice adds urgency to negotiations that could define his career.
How Close Are the Buffalo Bills and James Cook to Reaching a Deal?
Cook is set to enter the final year of his rookie deal and has been hoping for a new contract. While speculation suggested he could hold out, the second-round pick from the 2022 NFL Draft reported to training camp as contract negotiations between the two sides continued.
However, his decision to skip Sunday’s practice signals a shift in approach. Cook was not on hand for Buffalo’s mandatory practice on Sunday, marking his first absence after fully participating throughout training camp.
Tom Pelissero of NFL Network provided insight into the ongoing negotiations between the two sides during an appearance on Inside Training Camp Live with Mike Garafolo.
“James Cook was a priority, and the sides have been engaged, from my understanding, they have not been that far apart through the course of the talks,” Pelissero stated. “James Cook did show up, was fully participating in practice during training camp, until today.”
With @TomPelissero for an Insiders hit on Inside Training Camp Live on the Micah Parsons/#Cowboys situation, James Cook’s negotiations with the #Bills and WR injuries for Khalil Shakir and the #Eagles‘ A.J. Brown. pic.twitter.com/ojPpY50UY2
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) August 3, 2025
“My understanding of where things stand here is, again, these sides have been in talks for a long time, they have not been that far off, but this is kind of like fourth and goal in the AFC Championship Game. Is James Cook going to get them across the goal line? Are the Bills going to be able to do their part to back it up?”
Pelissero noted that it makes sense for both sides to have Cook avoid practice while negotiations continue. When asked about his decision not to take part in Sunday’s session, the star running back simply repeated the word “business.” While it remains unclear exactly how far apart the two sides are amid the ongoing contract negotiations, Pelissero’s report suggests they will likely work something out to keep the two-time Pro Bowler in Buffalo.
Cook emerged as one of the NFL’s elite running backs during the 2024 season, reaching the Pro Bowl for the second consecutive year. He finished with 1,009 yards and 16 touchdowns on 207 carries, while adding 258 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 32 receptions.
The Bills’ star tied with Derrick Henry and Jahmyr Gibbs for the most rushing touchdowns in the league despite playing one fewer game.
His production helped drive Buffalo’s offensive success. The franchise finished with a 13-4 record while ranking second in scoring offense, 10th in total yards, ninth in rushing yards, and first in rushing touchdowns. Their offensive unit ranked fourth in the league, according to PFSN’s Offense+ metric.