James Cook absent from OTA's

[MikePJ76]

12 minutes ago, Uncle Stucky said:

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.

Isn’t George kittle holding out currently because of his contract?

2 hours ago, babulator said:

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? 

I believe Zach Martin held out a few years ago then signed the week of the season and had a great year.  Same with Nick bosa.  

[MrEpsYtown]

None of it is mandatory. From the pictures,it looks like other guys aren't there like Bosa. I would start to worry if he is missing mandatory stuff. 

 

or just draft his replacement this weekend because there are a whole bunch of guys in this draft who can bring similar dynamics. 

[Mister Defense]

23 minutes ago, HamptonBillsfan said:

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. 

 

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.

 

I don't mean to be rude, but you need to cut this crap out, and now.

 

You need to stop hitting on one fact after another, one specific detail, stat, number...all of that concrete objective nonsense.

 

Just go with the flow more, that running backs like Cook are easily replaceable, and that those facts you point to are a mirage only, irrelevant. They cannot compete with the unsupported clches that many of the anti Cook posters are using.

 

And one poster is now even capable of reading Cook's mind, from afar. Hard to top that, to get closer to the situation than to actually read Cook's mind.

 

So stop, as you cannot possibly compete with their iron clad arguments by using your facts, details, and the conclusions you draw from those.

 

 

[nosejob]

I hope they get a deal done....but Beane has to know now what's likely to happen so he can decide what to do should a draft day opportunity come up.

That means talking to coaches and players and finding out where his head's truly at. Does he hate living here? Wanna play close to home and family?

Is he unreasonable with expectations?  What do his team mates think of him? Plus Beane knows him and the agent personally. I'm sure he's done dug up all the dirt.

[HamptonBillsfan]

18 minutes ago, Mister Defense said:

 

I don't mean to be rude, but you need to cut this crap out, and now.

 

You need to stop hitting on one fact after another, one specific detail, stat, number...all of that concrete objective nonsense.

 

Just go with the flow more, that running backs like Cook are easily replaceable, and that those facts you point to are a mirage only, irrelevant. They cannot compete with the unsupported clches that many of the anti Cook posters are using.

 

And one poster is now even capable of reading Cook's mind, from afar. Hard to top that, to get closer to the situation than to actually read Cook's mind.

 

So stop, as you cannot possibly compete with their iron clad arguments by using your facts, details, and the conclusions you draw from those.

 

 

These oblivious Cook detractors will appreciate him when he puts another team over the top after they let him walk or trade him. Sadly they’re getting their cues from our GM who is making a great young talent feel like he is not valued. Beane should just look back on our history of pedestrian RBs that came in with hype and never distinguished themselves. Finally we have a great QB and good O-line, perfect scenario for an explosive back to create real defensive challenges and fans want a rookie or FA journeyman to kill the whole ideology. Oh well, being a Bills fan tests your pain tolerance.

 

[Einstein's Dog]

9 hours ago, Sierra Foothills said:

 

• 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.

Counter points:

*Missing voluntary OTAs is just another step in the Diggs playbook.  It's not unexpected for someone unhappy.  You don't know how seriously McBeane is taking this, and part of the business side of the NFL is trading players (once again similar to what he did with Diggs).  The players would understand.

*Cook may be traded, certainly a possibility (you're claiming otherwise comes off as a little ridiculous).  The physical exam is a mere formality.  There are actually very few RBs in this draft better than Cook.  And a team getting Cook does not have to pay him a huge contract yet, the trade can be for the $5M bargain price.

*Cook may have a great year ahead with the Bills, or Cook may have a year similar to 2024 - the same RB room from 2024 is back, and the Bills may want to watch Cooks workload to have him ready for the playoffs.  And the scary kicker is Cook may just want to be paid based on the 2024 stats and sit out a good portion of 2025.

*While the Bills may want Cook to have a great season, the priority for the Bills is for the team to have a great season.  And as mentioned above that may mean work load management on the RBs.

*Drafting an RB this week would make the most sense if Cook is traded.  There would be RB room, the drafted RB would now be the R Davis insurance, and the RB room would be bargain basement prices - in line with the past philosophy of not paying RBs.

[Don Otreply]

7 hours ago, iccrewman112 said:

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?

Yup, that’s him, 

[JP51]

41 minutes ago, HamptonBillsfan said:

These oblivious Cook detractors will appreciate him when he puts another team over the top after they let him walk or trade him. Sadly they’re getting their cues from our GM who is making a great young talent feel like he is not valued. Beane should just look back on our history of pedestrian RBs that came in with hype and never distinguished themselves. Finally we have a great QB and good O-line, perfect scenario for an explosive back to create real defensive challenges and fans want a rookie or FA journeyman to kill the whole ideology. Oh well, being a Bills fan tests your pain tolerance.

 

I am assuming that you are not referring to me as an oblivious Cook detractor...  because I am most certainly not... Once again, My only point is that voluntary OTAs are one thing... trying not to over think that... however, if he chooses escalation... to sit out Mandatory OTAs, move onto  Camp... or even part of the season... there is a litany of RBs that have tried this including his brother and it hasnt boded well for him...  If he wants maximum dollar... it is in his interest to not go distraction or Diva, and to have a great season... no more no less... does this mean that I dont want him to get signed... of course not.. in fact, I hope they do give him a good deal ... your 3 for 40 sounds fair... if he takes it... but if he digs in and does what I am concerned he might quite honestly, that probably doesnt bode well for him and most likely means the scenario for which you fear... we let him walk...  Now if you think him going all Diva and stomping his feet and holding out is the way to go.. fair enough... its just my belief that Beane will sign up the next guy and run him back. I hope we dont have to find out.  

[Ya Digg?]

2 hours ago, Uncle Stucky said:

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.

This isn’t a true statement. It’s ONE strategy that players use. The other one is to not show up to things. There isn’t a right or wrong way, it’s just a different strategy 

[Logic]

I truly don't care.

A running back missing voluntary workouts does not move the needle for me.

I wish they'd just trade him and spend the money he wants elsewhere, but I predict they won't, and that he'll be a Bill in 2025, and that they ultimately want to re-sign him.

Either way, everything between now and the start of mandatory training camp workouts is just noise.

[HamptonBillsfan]

3 minutes ago, JP51 said:

I am assuming that you are not referring to me as an oblivious Cook detractor...  because I am most certainly not... Once again, My only point is that voluntary OTAs are one thing... trying not to over think that... however, if he chooses escalation... to sit out Mandatory OTAs, move onto  Camp... or even part of the season... there is a litany of RBs that have tried this including his brother and it hasnt boded well for him...  If he wants maximum dollar... it is in his interest to not go distraction or Diva, and to have a great season... no more no less... does this mean that I dont want him to get signed... of course not.. in fact, I hope they do give him a good deal ... your 3 for 40 sounds fair... if he takes it... but if he digs in and does what I am concerned he might quite honestly, that probably doesnt bode well for him and most likely means the scenario for which you fear... we let him walk...  Now if you think him going all Diva and stomping his feet and holding out is the way to go.. fair enough... its just my belief that Beane will sign up the next guy and run him back. I hope we dont have to find out.  

You seem like a good fan and at least appreciate what Cook has given us. He’s already said he’s playing this season. Remember Cook is quiet, humble team guy who is not a me first individual. He’s got a short window to get paid at a position that can go sideways at the drop of a hat. Maybe his agent is desperate for Beane to make a reasonable offer, but I don’t fault him for asking to be resigned.

[Nephilim17]

18 minutes ago, Logic said:

I truly don't care.

A running back missing voluntary workouts does not move the needle for me.

I wish they'd just trade him and spend the money he wants elsewhere, but I predict they won't, and that he'll be a Bill in 2025, and that they ultimately want to re-sign him.

Either way, everything between now and the start of mandatory training camp workouts is just noise.

I'm aligned with you except for 2026: I think/hope they let him walk, get a comp, and draft a low-cost replacement. I think Cook is very good but far from irreplaceable, and his $12 to $15 million can be better spent elsewhere when you're paying a franchise quarterback. 

In a world with no cap, I'd say pay him what he wants, but paying one position more means paying another less, and I don't think RBS are that hard to replace. 

[Logic]

13 minutes ago, Nephilim17 said:

I'm aligned with you except for 2026: I think/hope they let him walk, get a comp, and draft a low-cost replacement. I think Cook is very good but far from irreplaceable, and his $12 to $15 million can be better spent elsewhere when you're paying a franchise quarterback. 

In a world with no cap, I'd say pay him what he wants, but paying one position more means paying another less, and I don't think RBS are that hard to replace. 

I'm with you in that I HOPE they let him walk after 2025. I do not feel he's worthy of a second contract, and would rather draft a replacement this year in the mid-to-late rounds to pair with Davis next year.

Nevertheless, I PREDICT that Beane and McDermott don't feel the same way, and that they want to find a way to pay him and keep him here. Hoping I'm wrong, but if that's the route they go, I'll of course accept it and root for the guy. I acknowledge that he's a good player.

[Einstein's Dog]

30 minutes ago, Logic said:

I truly don't care.

A running back missing voluntary workouts does not move the needle for me.

I wish they'd just trade him and spend the money he wants elsewhere, but I predict they won't, and that he'll be a Bill in 2025, and that they ultimately want to re-sign him.

Either way, everything between now and the start of mandatory training camp workouts is just noise.

It's unfortunately too late to be able to reallocate the Cook budget into the WR room at this point.  It's upsetting to think that had they known of Cook's demands the FO may have chosen the DK Metcalf route instead of the Palmer+Cook plan.

 

My prediction is they are moving Cook during the draft.  While missing the voluntary workouts doesn't move the needle, the needle has already been pushed into "get rid of" territory.  Cook already doesn't like the proposed extension, will not like the proposed usage (same as 2024), and has already started acting out.  To me, the signs are all there that moving him now is the best course of action - get rid of the malcontent and distraction, get rid of the risk of someone holding out half the year, reload with a young, eager rookie.  Better to move on a year early than a year late.  They didn't tolerate this from Diggs, no need to put up with it from Cook.

 

Makes the draft more interesting to me.

[BillsShredder83]

20 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. 

Yep, happened to a Bronco few years ago. OL maybe?  I dont think anybody has ever accused Cook of being a Nasa engineer

 

Anyways, not a big deal to me, fairly expected.  A way to holdout without holding out of TC. Obv doesnt mean he wont holdout from TC, but id have been surprised if he showed to these

 

 

[JP51]

53 minutes ago, HamptonBillsfan said:

You seem like a good fan and at least appreciate what Cook has given us. He’s already said he’s playing this season. Remember Cook is quiet, humble team guy who is not a me first individual. He’s got a short window to get paid at a position that can go sideways at the drop of a hat. Maybe his agent is desperate for Beane to make a reasonable offer, but I don’t fault him for asking to be resigned.

Oh I do not fault him in anyway... look like you said especially RB have a limited shelf life... one acl and there goes the neighborhood...they typically get 2 contracts in a career this is the money shot.... 3rd contracts are usually less lucrative 8 or 9 years into a career....   and like I said I am not trying to over think his stance... Voluntary OTAs could just be I am not happy about this... and then he shows up no harm or foul.. but I just know if he takes a hard line and escalates to Mandatories and Camp my gut tells me that this turns into a sh(tshow and that is not in his best interest. 

 

 Now, some of this is on Beane as well... he has to recognize the value and make a fair offer... because to your point he is not a middling RB and has criticality to an Offense that could use every playmaker it can get.... I am just thinking post June 1 they hopefully can work it out...  if they wait till next year... to redo it... then players get paid, prices go up and 15mm becomes pretty realistic for him... I know if they tag him it would be close to that... but lets not go there.

 

There is a point and I dont know where (dollarwise) that is where you need to begin to balance risk reward and measure the cost against the production and intangible of the existing player and what you would get out of another RB... and what you would do with the saved money... That is where Beane is at currently I believe. 

Edited 22 hours ago by JP51

[BillsShredder83]

20 hours 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

Still a good time for trades, i bet theres a ton of discussion. rare time where GM's can meet face to face, and everybody is already in wheel and deal mode.  even if nothing materializes, there are likely a lot of seeds planted, plus a chance for a GM to get some sense of a players worth in a trade.  guarantee he's got and will get calls. GMs jobs are to complete due diligence.  A casual on the side chat with another GM could lead to an in season trade during TC, or regular season. could even be a tag and trade next season

 

bottom line: draft is important to GM's for multiple reasons.  Id bet a ton of trade origins can be traced back to draft week discussions

[Fleezoid]

20 hours ago, Bad Things said:

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.)

 

I just can't wrap my brain around James Cook with the nickname "Jimbo." Just doesn't fit with me. 

[BillsShredder83]

20 hours ago, The Cincinnati Kid said:

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

When you look at it like that, its hard to blame RB's.  anybody think its possible during NFLPA Bargain Agreement, that they modify (shorten) default contract length of RB's.  It's def unfair to them. Even if a GM wants to do a deal, hes kind of hampered by the rest of the RB market, where giving a fair contract is a liability when theres cheaper labor out there.

 

If 32 teams are operating under a - 4yr 1st round, 3 years yr rounds after - it might be easier for a GM to justify retaining his pick. More teams will have to do it, or theyll be spending more draft picks to get that cheap labor.  Would change the supply/demand for all teams, while allowing RB's to get 2nd contracts before theyre out of the league.

 

I think they should do it, but dunno when next Bargain Agreement is

[Kaenon]

He's going to Dallas.