James Cook absent from OTA's

[Roundybout]

Cook and a second for Jamo Williams and a third 

[Sierra Foothills]

7 hours ago, TBBills Fan said:

People underestimate how much value he brought to the offense last year

 

7 hours ago, Gregg said:

Tied for 1st last season with 16 rushing TDs. That is not easy to replace plus he helps take a lot of pressure off of Allen.

 

... and is a threat to take it to the house every time he touches the ball.

 

7 hours ago, Matt_In_NH said:

In response for this I would trade Cordy Glenn to the Bengals.

 

Or draft Kool-Aid McKinstry.

 

As for my serious thoughts on James Cook:

• Missing voluntary OTAs is a non-story for someone who is unhappy with his contract. There are people on this forum who are taking this story more seriously (and personally) than either Cook or McBeane or any member of the Bills. All of the Bills understand that this is the business side of the NFL.
• Cook will not be traded during this draft. As some have pointed out, there's the obstacle of a physical examination and in addition, others have pointed out the unlikelihood that a team is going to give up draft capital for a RB who wants a top of the market contract... particularly in a year where there are numerous excellent prospects at RB.
• Cook will have another great year for the Bills because he is playing for his next contract.
• The Bills will want him to have a great season so that they get the highest compensatory pick for when he signs with his new team next offseason.
• If the Bills draft a RB this week as Cook's eventual replacement, that player will have special teams value to justify a roster spot... because that player will be the RB4 for the Bills.

[Beck Water]

9 hours 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. 

 

You're right about the risk of injury while working out independently, but most of these athletes only take a short time off before they start to work out again in one or another way (rehab or trying to improve themselves) so the few days that voluntary OTAs last don't really matter in the big scheme of things. 

I think the answer is insurance.  They take out insurance to cover the salary they'd lose if they suffer what gets called a "non football injury" while training.  I don't think the insurance will cover them jet-skiing or snowboarding or stuff, but it will cover if they tear a muscle or tendon doing workouts to maintain or improve their athletic value.

I don't understand about the "draw fines": no team is going to fine an athlete for working out with a private trainer.

 

16 minutes ago, Sierra Foothills said:

• If the Bills draft a RB this week as Cook's eventual replacement, that player will have special teams value to justify a roster spot... because that player will be the RB4 for the Bills.

 

That might be the spot on the depth chart the draft pick occupies going into training camp, but there's nothing to say he won't occupy a different spot coming out of training camp.

 

See Elam, Kaiir and Benford, Christian.

 

Of course I agree with your point that Cook missing VOLUNTARY OTAs is a non-issue.  I think in this first phase, they're just doing strength and conditioning and "dead ball" drills, not even position-specific drills or working with coaches.

Edited yesterday at 04:11 AM by Beck Water

[Thrivefourfive]

2 hours ago, Doc Brown said:

If a team thinks Cook has the potential to be a workhouse back than I guess it would make sense to use your first round pick at a premium position and then give up a 3rd or 4th for Cook.  The one positive with Cook is the lack of wear and tear on his body going all the way back to college as he's never been a high volume RB.  It's doubtful any GM would do that though but it only takes one.

He’s been running hard. Been running smart too. If we lose him, I’ll always think we got cheated if he goes into to have two more ascending seasons. Also think we’ll have to look at RB differently so this sorta thing is prepped for. Or maybe it already is.. 

 

Draft an RB and expect to either pay him after year three, or have a plan to deal with the upcoming royal rumble 

[BobbyC81]

10 hours ago, Doc Brown said:

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

When Brandon Aiyuk and the Niners were in contract negotiations before last season, he showed up a lot but didn’t practice.  At least he was with his teammates.

[Doc Brown]

2 minutes ago, BobbyC81 said:

When Brandon Aiyuk and the Niners were in contract negotiations before last season, he showed up a lot but didn’t practice.  At least he was with his teammates.

49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk not present at mandatory minicamp amid search for new contract

 

5 minutes ago, Thrivefourfive said:

He’s been running hard. Been running smart too. If we lose him, I’ll always think we got cheated if he goes into to have two more ascending seasons. Also think we’ll have to look at RB differently so this sorta thing is prepped for. Or maybe it already is.. 

 

Draft an RB and expect to either pay him after year three, or have a plan to deal with the upcoming royal rumble 

You have to be ruthlessly pragmatic as a GM.  It's why for at least the last ten years I've been a never draft a RB in the 1st round guy and never re-sign a RB to a top of the market 2nd contract guy.  Fans get emotionally attached to players especially if they're a first round pick.  Hell, owners can even get in the way (see Zeke Elliott).  If I'm Beane, I have Cook play out his contract and hope he has a great year so you can get that 3rd or 4th round comp pick for him next draft.

[Ethan in Cleveland]

9 hours ago, Bad Things said:

I totally agree with you.

I just don't want the team to have any distractions with any "me first" type attitudes.

 

Plus, don't forget how well our RB2 and RB3 produced when given a chance last year.

Remember how the final drive of the season didn’t produce any points while Cook was on the sideline. Remember how he scored a TD by sheer will on 4th and goal. He’s an elite RB. He should get paid. At worst he is 4th best RB in the league and he doesn’t have the injury history of McCaffrey or Barkley and is far younger than Henry. 

He’s the second best player on the team.  He’s far better at his position than Rousseau, Oliver, and Bernard are at theirs. Only a previously healthy Milano, Johnson, and maybe Benford are comparable. Beane wastes millions on terrible players like Epenesa and two PED cheats. Pay Cook and draft defensive line.

[Thrivefourfive]

8 minutes ago, Doc Brown said:

49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk not present at mandatory minicamp amid search for new contract

 

You have to be ruthlessly pragmatic as a GM.  It's why for at least the last ten years I've been a never draft a RB in the 1st round guy and never re-sign a RB to a top of the market 2nd contract guy.  Fans get emotionally attached to players especially if they're a first round pick.  Hell, owners can even get in the way (see Zeke Elliott).  If I'm Beane, I have Cook play out his contract and hope he has a great year so you can get that 3rd or 4th round comp pick for him next draft.

So you don’t extend him at all? I hear you, but that can’t be a hard and fast rule, right. We want players of Cook’s caliber. Can’t have them knowing they’re never getting paid though. 

[Doc Brown]

39 minutes ago, Thrivefourfive said:

So you don’t extend him at all? I hear you, but that can’t be a hard and fast rule, right. We want players of Cook’s caliber. Can’t have them knowing they’re never getting paid though. 

I'm just assuming they have a good agent.  If they want to come back for half their market value than I'll throw a welcome back party for them.  It's just not a good use of assets imo when you're paying a QB elite money.  For this year to maybe avoid the headache of a hold out you can give him a few million if he meets certain incentives.  We may get a great year if he's motivated to both reach those incentives and set himself up for a nice payday next off-season.   A lot of times players that are contract motivated will drop off their work ethic once they're paid.  His brother did that imo.  It's either that or injuries that doom these 2nd contracts to RB's.

Edited yesterday at 06:22 AM by Doc Brown

[stevestojan]

He doesn’t play on third down and can’t block. Why does he think he deserves anywhere near what he’s asking? Because of one great season? GTFOH

[Thrivefourfive]

35 minutes ago, Doc Brown said:

I'm just assuming they have a good agent.  If they want to come back for half their market value than I'll throw a welcome back party for them.  It's just not a good use of assets imo when you're paying a QB elite money.

It’s a complicated situation. He’s crazy for asking for $15m per, and I understand the crowd that doesn’t even want to give him $10m, but I don’t agree that a blanket strategy should be used for this. We are so so close, and he’s by far the best we have after Allen. I’ve said all along that this deal won’t kill the future. In this case, Beane has to make it work somehow. Cook has to play for the Bills all season. I don’t like rearranging the deck at this position and losing that guy headed into—- the best chance to win a SB since 1991. 

[iccrewman112]

11 hours 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, 

The QB who just signed an enormous extension with a Brinks Truck of guaranteed money. And will wear a red jersey until the second weekend of September?

[Doc Brown]

31 minutes ago, Thrivefourfive said:

It’s a complicated situation. He’s crazy for asking for $15m per, and I understand the crowd that doesn’t even want to give him $10m, but I don’t agree that a blanket strategy should be used for this. We are so so close, and he’s by far the best we have after Allen. I’ve said all along that this deal won’t kill the future. In this case, Beane has to make it work somehow. Cook has to play for the Bills all season. I don’t like rearranging the deck at this position and losing that guy headed into—- the best chance to win a SB since 1991. 

I understand what you're saying.  It's really not that complicated to me because like I said above I'm weary of players who ease up a little bit on their work ethic once they get the bag.  If I was Beane, to avoid off-season headaches, I'd give Cook some incentives this year up to $3m or so and hope that combined with wanting to get paid the bag next off-season you'll have an ultra motivated RB that gives you a chance to win the Super Bowl this year.

 

Edit:  My plan completely changes if I'm Beane and Allen says "pay Cook or I demand a trade."

Edited yesterday at 06:56 AM by Doc Brown

[machine gun kelly]

This surprises anyone why?  It’s not going to work, nor will help negotiations, but typical.

[ProcessTruster]

Cook is doing what his agent tells him to do.  and a RB coming off a great year 3 holding out prior to year 4 demanding a new contract is pretty much standard operating procedure. 

 

to me, this is no surprise at all .   what stinks is that he'll come back in August after holding out for 4 months and pop a hamstring week 1

 

another poster said we have probably seen the best of Cook... this could very easily be true.   he was playing for a contract last year.. he could give two sh-ts what team he's on.. he's performing for the cash

Edited yesterday at 10:05 AM by ProcessTruster

[babulator]

Has there ever been a player that has voluntarily missed time, OTA's, training camp, practice and been a better player for it? Who is the shining example of this? 

[Mister Defense]

1 hour ago, ProcessTruster said:

another poster said we have probably seen the best of Cook... this could very easily be true.   he was playing for a contract last year.. he could give two sh-ts what team he's on.. he's performing for the cash

 

 

You seem to be able to easily just look into Cook's mind and read it like a book. A great skill to have. Very rare.

 

I wish I could do that, and then I too  would not need to support any of my ideas about him either..

 

 

[SoonerBillsFan]

7 hours ago, Sierra Foothills said:

 

 

... and is a threat to take it to the house every time he touches the ball.

 

 

Or draft Kool-Aid McKinstry.

 

As for my serious thoughts on James Cook:

• Missing voluntary OTAs is a non-story for someone who is unhappy with his contract. There are people on this forum who are taking this story more seriously (and personally) than either Cook or McBeane or any member of the Bills. All of the Bills understand that this is the business side of the NFL.
• Cook will not be traded during this draft. As some have pointed out, there's the obstacle of a physical examination and in addition, others have pointed out the unlikelihood that a team is going to give up draft capital for a RB who wants a top of the market contract... particularly in a year where there are numerous excellent prospects at RB.
• Cook will have another great year for the Bills because he is playing for his next contract.
• The Bills will want him to have a great season so that they get the highest compensatory pick for when he signs with his new team next offseason.
• If the Bills draft a RB this week as Cook's eventual replacement, that player will have special teams value to justify a roster spot... because that player will be the RB4 for the Bills.

I call this "Deep thoughts with Sierra Foothills "

[Uncle Stucky]

Brock Purdy is also looking for a contract extension, but he has showed up to OTA's...which is the right thing to do. The Bills have not slighted Cook in any way as far as I can tell.  He looks like a petulant child.  This guy could disappear today, and I won't lose any sleep.  

 

Show up, do your job well and you'll be rewarded.  He looks like a goof asking for 15 mill a year though.

[HamptonBillsfan]

10 hours ago, JP51 said:

Not looking to compare running styles just positions... Just grabbed three high performing RBs who got huffy about not getting the money they wanted and chose to hold out or become a distraction one of them was his brother... to illustrate that it didn't end well for them. You disagree that's fine... but to say to James Cook look at what happened to your brother who seems to be advising you and say comparing him to his own brother is a weak comparison ... I guess we can just agree to disagree. Lastly... I never called him a diva nor at this point do I think he is I am sounding an alarm should he choose that path that others in his position who chose that path ended up irrelevant... he isn't a QB, WR, or game wrecking Edge rusher

... fact of the matter is that his position doesn't carry the tolerance for that stuff then others do... I hope he gets a fair deal I hope he stays and I hope he doesn't choose to become a distraction like the 3 I mentioned... that simple

First thing, Barkley is making over 20 million a season and Cook is asking for 15. That doesn’t mean he wouldn’t play for less if Beane offered a bit less. 

 

10 hours ago, JP51 said:

Not sure i would label Dalvin Cook, Ez Elliot and Le Veon Bell dumpster diving pedestrian journeyman... I am not wishing for cook to go either not sure where you got that from my post.  But I do stand by my thought regarding Cook not at OTAs is concerning and that if he takes the path of the 3 I mentioned he could very well end up like them. He is a 2 down smallish back that wants Barkley money and isn't gonna get it from us and almost certainly no one if he sits out becomes a distraction etc... his best bet is to go out there an produce 

He’s not asking for Barkley money, he could be had for 42 for 3 years. Those backs either were older, headcases( Bell)or washed as their performance nosedived after sitting out. What is this ridiculous idea he’s a 2 down back? He’s had 3 different OCs in his 3 seasons and because we have Ty Johnson( who’s arguably the best 3rd down back in football) he’s been deployed that way. Remember he had over a thousand yds on precious  few carries (208) with 16 TDs. He had over 400 yds receiving. He’s a matchup nightmare in the passing game and can take it to the house whenever he touches the ball. He’s only 25 coming into his prime. We can’t replace this guy with an untested rookie and you’ll see him be better this year and be worth more. Relax, he skipped a voluntary OTA. Josh should be demanding they make more of an effort to sign him after Beane signed those PED lineman, Rousseau, Bernard , Bosa and a Corner that is a concussion away from being forced out of football.