Key James Cook contract update as Bills' training camp approaches

After a career year in which he scored 18 total touchdowns in 2024, Buffalo Bills running back James Cook's desire for a new contract has arguably been the biggest storyline of the Bills' 2025 offseason. Traction seems to be gaining between Cook and the Bills' front office towards an agreement, though.

Amid an offseason in which extensions were handed out regularly to key players like cornerback Christian Benford, wide receiver Khalil Shakir and linebacker Terrel Bernard, Cook initially wasn't believed to be in a position for such a deal, according to ESPN's Alaina Getzenberg.

Cook, who scored a career-high 18 total touchdowns in 2024 en route to his second Pro Bowl, participated in the three-day mandatory minicamp to put the initial controversy to bed.

The second stage, however, is still to come, as the running back has high expectations set by those around him in both the front office and the coaching staff, as he does himself, as training camp approaches.

James Cook and Connor McGovern — Jan 26, 2025; Kansas City, MO, USA; Buffalo Bills running back James Cook (4) celebrates with guard Connor McGovern (66) after rushing for a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half in the AFC Championship game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

"I'm here, I'm part of the team. I'm a leader, so I just got to practice and get a jump," said Cook, who also stated that the money was a key factor in getting him to minicamp.

"The thing he's got to concentrate is his whole game, the run and the pass," running backs coach Kelly Skipper told ESPN. "Being able to pass block because he can do it, you know what I mean? It's just how many times and just being ready and don't get caught off guard."

General manager Brandon Beane expects Cook to be in attendance for training camp, as does the running back himself.

A contract for Cook, who's in the last year of his four-year rookie deal, would hypothetically alleviate a lot of the pressure those who follow the Bills have placed on the team this offseason, so it'll be intriguing to see how both sides navigate this ordeal.

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook, carrying the ball, keeps low as teammate Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Spencer Brown blocks opening a spot for him during first half action at the Buffalo Bills divisional game against the Baltimore Ravens at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park on Jan. 19, 2025. | Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

— Enjoy free coverage of the Bills from Buffalo Bills on SI —

More Buffalo Bills News:

Why James Cook's contract controversy isn't really controversial for Bills

How Jalen Ramsey trade can shake up Bills' path to Super Bowl LX

Bills predicted to make offense 'unstoppable' with trade for 2x Pro Bowl WR

Bills' legend shockingly kept off NFL Top 25 all-time players list

Bills' franchise first stands out on latest bold predictions list for 2025 NFL season