James Cook, the Buffalo Bills’ running back, was notably absent from the team’s voluntary organized team activities (OTAs) held on Tuesday. As he enters the last year of his rookie contract, Cook is very much trying to get a contract extension of his own. To date, he has been very vocal about his intentions to pursue a new deal. In fact, he went on Instagram live to broadcast his belief that he should be making “15 mill per year.”
At only 25 years of age, Cook just finished one of his best seasons to date. He broke the franchise record by scoring 16 rushing touchdowns! His production has made a huge impact during his collegiate career, recording two touchdowns in each of his first two seasons. Despite his achievements, Cook has not participated in OTA practice, raising questions among fans and analysts regarding the status of his contract negotiations.
General Manager Brandon Beane has reassured supporters that Cook will be ready for the upcoming season. In the last three years he has suited up for 28 out of 51 contests showing the talent when on the field. Coach Sean McDermott accentuated Cook’s talent and work throughout saying, “He’s a great kid and he works hard.”
As trade talks over his contract situation simmer, Cook’s absence from OTAs hasn’t been missed. Their teammates have made it impossible—including their star young quarterback Josh Allen. Cook’s decision to stay away would seem to indicate that his negotiations are very serious.
Coach McDermott acknowledged the significance of Allen’s presence, saying, “I think it says everything that Allen’s in attendance, right.” Inclusivity goes deeper than just words. This offhand comment reveals the clarifying power of team cohesion, especially during this crucial period in the NHL offseason.
On the other side of the ball, the Bills are watching closely as defensive end Joey Bosa’s injury concerns swirl. Bosa is on a one-year deal signed this past spring. While preparing with the squad, he experienced a calf injury late last Thursday. The report states that Bosa is “more than likely” done with any remaining spring practices. Whatever the case, Coach McDermott is still hopeful that Bosa will be back soon, likely in time for training camp.
Bosa’s latest injury is the next installment in what has become his all too familiar war with maladies the last two seasons. As Golladay approaches his 30th birthday in July, the team can be buoyed by the prospect of his bounce-back potential. To them, he projects to be their Magnus Opus on defense.
Amid these changes, players like Dion Dawkins have offered their thoughts on what’s happening. Dawkins remarked, “We feel like we don’t have nothing to do with it and whatever is going on upstairs, it will handle itself.” This sentiment shows a clear player sentiment that players’ faith is constantly tested by front office outlooks and contract talks.
As the Bills prepare for the upcoming season, they face challenges both on and off the field. In addition to the heavy workload up front, the organization will need to figure out Cook’s contract situation while getting key players like Bosa back from injury.
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