{"id":235450,"date":"2025-06-03T13:00:13","date_gmt":"2025-06-03T17:00:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=235450"},"modified":"2025-06-03T10:35:39","modified_gmt":"2025-06-03T14:35:39","slug":"james-cook-bills-contract-stalled-talks-trade","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2025\/06\/03\/james-cook-bills-contract-stalled-talks-trade\/","title":{"rendered":"Report: Bills “Never Very Close” With Star’s Contract – Trade Possible"},"content":{"rendered":"

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook was arguably the team’s most consistent non-Josh Allen weapon last year and is entering the final year of his contract. Now looking for financial security after leading the league with 16 rushing touchdowns last year, the former second-round pick skipped voluntary OTAs while trying to negotiate a new contract. Unfortunately, those talks haven’t gone well. According to Albert Breer of\u00a0Sports Illustrated<\/em><\/a>, the two sides were “never very close” to an extension, and nothing has changed since the start of offseason practices.<\/p>\n

James Cook is a good player, but the Bills probably don’t have the financial luxury to spend big on a running back. Running back is one of the least important positions in football, and it’s hard to build a consistent winner with a high-priced running back and a top-dollar quarterback like Josh Allen<\/a>. Allen is an elite quarterback and deserves every penny of his contract, but Buffalo can’t justify another market-level deal for a running back. Whether it’s a trade or letting him walk as a free agent, James Cook is probably not in the Bills long-term future and could land with the following teams.<\/p>\n

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Main Photo: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n