James Cook absent from OTA's

[Draconator]

Two-time Pro Bowl running back James Cook did not join the rest of his teammates when the Buffalo Bills gathered for their first voluntary workouts, general manager Brandon Beane confirmed in a news conference Tuesday.

 

Cook, in the final year of his rookie contract, is seeking a contract extension. But Beane stated three weeks ago at the NFL owners’ meetings that the sides are significantly far apart and that an extension wasn’t likely before the upcoming season.

 

“I just try to focus on what I can control and making sure that the guys that are here are getting the work done,” quarterback Josh Allen said of Cook’s absence. “I know that James is working out and getting the work done there, too. I’m hoping that gets figured out, but it’ll get figured out when it gets figured out. We understand the business side of it.”

 

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6299460/2025/04/22/bills-james-cook-ota-contract-extension/

[boyst]

I never quit understand the skipping of these workouts but working out on your own. Especially because if hurt in an organized activity he is subject to coverage by the team, but if hurt outside of them he can be cut and forfeit his earnings as well as draw fines. 

[Don Otreply]

And now the question is…, 

 

Is Cook going to continue to, through his actions, distance himself from the team, not showing up when even your PB franchise QB is there does not shine a positive light on one’s self, 

[Doc Brown]

5 minutes ago, boyst said:

I never quit understand the skipping of these workouts but working out on your own. Especially because if hurt in an organized activity he is subject to coverage by the team, but if hurt outside of them he can be cut and forfeit his earnings as well as draw fines. 

Just don't work out if you skip the voluntary workouts and you'll be fine I guess.

[boyst]

2 minutes ago, Doc Brown said:

Just don't work out if you skip the voluntary workouts and you'll be fine I guess.

Involuntary workouts?

 

I've also wondered why athletes don't show up and just claim injury, soreness, or other factors. 

[JP51]

1 minute ago, Don Otreply said:

And now the question is…, 

 

Is Cook going to continue to, through his actions, distance himself from the team, not showing up when even your PB franchise QB is there does not shine a positive light on one’s self, 

I honestly dont want to over think this... but not gonna lie, all too often when players who are disgruntled with their contract do this it tends to be a thing... when he starts skipping mandatory stuff then I think its at another level...  I will say this to James Cook... be careful dude... lots of 2 down backs under 200lbs out there lookin for work and they dont want 15mm...  Diva running backs tend to have an issue.. talk to Dalvin he will tell you.  May wanna ring Ezekiel and Le'veon too...  

[MJS]

9 minutes ago, boyst said:

Involuntary workouts?

 

I've also wondered why athletes don't show up and just claim injury, soreness, or other factors. 

Probably because most of them are team players and actually enjoy the process of getting ready for the season and being with their teammates. And if not, they don't want to appear like they don't.

Edited yesterday at 07:23 PM by MJS

[Big Turk]

15 minutes ago, boyst said:

I never quit understand the skipping of these workouts but working out on your own. Especially because if hurt in an organized activity he is subject to coverage by the team, but if hurt outside of them he can be cut and forfeit his earnings as well as draw fines. 

 

Voluntary means voluntary.  I don't understand why it's expected players attend.

[Doc Brown]

6 minutes ago, boyst said:

Involuntary workouts?

 

I've also wondered why athletes don't show up and just claim injury, soreness, or other factors. 

Wait.  Are these voluntary of involuntary?  I don't really pay attention until training camp.

[zow2]

I'm moving on for now.  When his career is over and we look back,  I would not be surprised if we've already seen the best season of overall production that James Cook will ever have.

[Gregg]

I can't say I am surprised by this as he is unhappy and wants a new deal. It's only April but if this carries over into TC then we may have a problem. I also wonder if Beane looks to move him on draft night. 

[Dat]

4 minutes ago, boyst said:

Involuntary workouts?

 

I've also wondered why athletes don't show up and just claim injury, soreness, or other factors. 

Byrd Feet?

 

For Cook I had read a few articles that predicted he would miss the voluntary portions, possibly more, but would not hold out and was just business. I’m neither shocked nor worried.

[TBBills Fan]

Are we mad at Beane or Cook?

 

Just need to know who I'm sending the angry letter to

[The Cincinnati Kid]

6 minutes ago, JP51 said:

I honestly dont want to over think this... but not gonna lie, all too often when players who are disgruntled with their contract do this it tends to be a thing... when he starts skipping mandatory stuff then I think its at another level...  I will say this to James Cook... be careful dude... lots of 2 down backs under 200lbs out there lookin for work and they dont want 15mm...  Diva running backs tend to have an issue.. talk to Dalvin he will tell you.  May wanna ring Ezekiel and Le'veon too...  

I bet he is talking to Dalvin and that those conversations are driving James’s words and actions.

[Captain Hindsight]

3 minutes ago, Gregg said:

I can't say I am surprised by this as he is unhappy and wants a new deal. It's only April but if this carries over into TC then we may have a problem. I also wonder if Beane looks to move him on draft night. 

Players rarely get traded during the draft as they need to get physicals before a trade can be completed. I can only think of two times its happened recently

 

AJ Brown a few years ago

Randy moss back in like 06

[The Cincinnati Kid]

Dalvin played 6 good seasons. James going into year 3…”get yourself paid now James. NFL stands for Not For Long.”

[gjv]

Is Cook the only Bill not attending voluntary work-outs?

[nucci]

there's nothing going on. He's not missing anything

[Doc Brown]

10 minutes ago, Captain Hindsight said:

Players rarely get traded during the draft as they need to get physicals before a trade can be completed. I can only think of two times its happened recently

 

AJ Brown a few years ago

Randy moss back in like 06

Hollywood Brown same year as AJ Brown.  Must be a Brown thing.

[Bad Things]

If Jimbo doesn't want to come along for the ride, then find someone else who does.

 

He's a good player, but is he really that good?  (15 million.)