Buffalo Bills running back James Cook. Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

Bills HC sheds light on contract talks with James Cook

By Ernesto Cova | Last updated Aug 12, 2025 2:02 PM ET

James Cook and the Buffalo Bills may have finally found some common ground.

The disgruntled running back had refused to practice as he pushed for a new contract. However, head coach Sean McDermott is optimistic about getting a deal done, revealing that they've made some progress.

"I would say that things have changed. And yes, we have had conversations with James. Good conversations that I've mentioned before. The information that we're getting is that he is moving towards practicing,“ McDermott said, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Before practice: "I would say that things have changed. And yes, we have had conversations with James. Good conversations that I've mentioned before. The information that we're getting is that he is moving towards practicing.“ — Sean McDermott

And then:
pic.twitter.com/F3aHqwV4QZ
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 12, 2025

Cook was back on the field to practice on Tuesday, so they're trending in the right direction in their contract talks.

The 25-year-old was in full uniform on Saturday and even took part in pregame drills ahead of the preseason opener vs. the New York Giants, but he didn't play.

He's gone back and forth in his attempts to get a contract extension, first practicing through the first week of training camp and then holding out "because of business." That's why the Bills can't be overly confident about having him on the field for the start of the season until he puts pen to paper.

Cook is reportedly looking to get $15 million a year in his new contract, but after watching Los Angeles Rams star Kyren Williams get a three-year, $33 million contract extension, he may not have that type of leverage.

Whatever the case, the Bills need him out there in Week 1, but there are finally some reasons to feel confident about a deal getting done.

Ernesto Cova

Ernesto is a bilingual (English-Spanish) sports writer with over eight years of experience covering major leagues such as the NBA, NFL, and MLB. Ernesto’s work focuses on providing insightful, up-to-date coverage of sports, blending his expertise in sports psychology with a passion for analyzing player performance, team dynamics, and trade developments across various sports leagues

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