James Cook is skipping the Buffalo Bills’ OTAs while seeking a new contract.
Although reports suggest the two sides weren’t “ever close” to an agreement before May’s practices, there remains optimism that a deal can eventually be reached with the two-time Pro Bowl running back.
In the meantime, the Bills will rely on their other options in the backfield—an opportunity that offensive coordinator Joe Brady is embracing.
“I love Jimbo \[Cook], but when someone isn’t around, it opens the door for others to step up,” Brady told reporters on Tuesday.
What Are The Bills’ Alternative Options At Running Back?
Although veteran Ty Johnson currently holds the RB2 spot on the unofficial depth chart, second-year pro Ray Davis is widely expected to emerge as the frontrunner to open the season as James Cook’s primary backup.
The Bills raised some eyebrows around the league when they chose not to draft a running back on Day 3 this past April, despite the 2025 class being considered one of the deepest in recent memory.
Ray Davis flashed potential with 442 rushing yards as a fourth-round rookie last season, but his production didn’t quite cement him as a clear-cut No. 1 option heading into this year.
Still, the purpose of offseason workouts is largely to evaluate players who don’t always get extended looks during the regular season, when much of the schedule is dominated by game prep and opponent analysis.
What Does The Future Look Like For Cook And The Bills?
James Cook, while holding out, doesn’t hold a significant amount of leverage in contract negotiations. Over the past 15 months, several running backs have secured lucrative second deals, but most of those—like Josh Jacobs, Saquon Barkley, and Derrick Henry—are widely considered All-Pro level talents.
Cook is undoubtedly a high-level contributor, but many around the league don’t view him as part of that elite tier, which makes it challenging for him to justify the reported \$15 million per year he’s seeking.
A deal will likely be reached eventually, but in the meantime, Cook remains away from the team—and the rest of the running back group has a prime opportunity to prove their value and earn more playing time heading into the fall.
