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Bills Caution James Cook To Not 'Get Caught Off-Guard' Amid Contract Dispute

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Adam Schultz | Last updated Jul 2, 2025 8:25 AM ET

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook is a two-time Pro Bowler, has two 1,000-yard seasons, and tied the franchise record last year for touchdowns in a season (16), yet he still isn't the finished product.

Of course, no player is, even Patrick Mahomes, has flaws, but players work on them during the offseason, so by the time the regular season rolls around, maybe they aren't as noticeable.

For Cook, his ability as a runner is well-documented, but as we know, part of a running back's duties is also to pass protect, and when you have Josh Allen in front of you, allowing him time to dissect the defense is crucial.

And for Bills running back coach Kelly Skipper, pass protection is an area James needs to improve.

"The thing about it is we got a couple different backs, situations, different things that happen," Skipper said via ESPN. "The thing he's got to concentrate is his whole game, the run and the pass. 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."

Is that advice tied to Cook's contract dispute? In a sense. "Be better'' is one way to get a payday, for one thing.

The offensive line helped with that last season as Allen was only sacked 14 times, a career-low, but Cook also played his role, helping pick up blitzes and allowing Allen to do his thing.

However, it appears that it still needs work, according to Skipper, and if James participates in training camp, we imagine that will be something that gets addressed.

Of course - and here's the second reason this advice is tied to the negotiations - James and his contract situation might prevent that, at least in the first week or so, but Cook, while seen as a rising star, still has a couple of rough spots in his game that need to be ironed out.

Just like everyone else.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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