Brandon Beane, the Bills general manager, highlighted the major reason for James Cook’s new deal for the 2025 season.

Bills general manager Brandon Beane isn’t worried about James Cook’s fate for the 2025 season, as he looks for a new contract. The Buffalo Bills, led by general manager Brandon Beane, have spent the most of their offseason rewarding their core group of players with lucrative contract extensions. Running back James Cook has been noticeably absent from that group, and while he has stated that he is searching for a new deal, Beane is unconcerned about his situation despite his desire for a contract extension. Cook has established himself as one of the league’s best running backs over the last two seasons, receiving Pro Bowl selections in 2023 and 2024 and leading the league with 16 rushing touchdowns last season. Cook skipped Buffalo’s optional offseason workouts last month, but Beane

believes his quest for a new contract will not affect his availability for the 2025 season. “I know we’ve had people in the building that he’s been talking with, and I have no doubts, when it’s time to play football, he’ll be ready to roll,” Beane told Mad Dog Sports Radio on Tuesday. Cook is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and with Beane already extending multiple other contracts, it’s understandable that the standout running back will be searching for a new deal this offseason. However, the two parties have been unable to reach an agreement, with Cook sending a message to the organization by declining to attend the team’s voluntary offseason exercises. The good news is that Buffalo and Cook still have plenty of time to work out a contract, but these are the types of scenarios that teams prefer to avoid with their elite players. Beane is certain that this issue will not transfer over onto the football field. However, unless Cook signs a new contract, the situation will continue to loom over the team.