James Cook, Running Back for Bills, Missing from Voluntary Training Sessions

The Buffalo Bills kicked off their first week of their voluntary offseason workouts with one notable absence: starting running back James Cook.

Buffalo general manager Brandon Beane stated that Cook was not present at the team workouts, although Beane stressed that, for this week, "It's voluntary." Beane cautioned against assuming that Cook's absence was due to contract negotiations.

As he enters the final year of his rookie contract, Cook has watched three of his 2022 draft class teammates receive four-year contract extensions this offseason: wide receiver Khalil Shakir, linebacker Terrel Bernard, and cornerback Christian Benford.

Beane said, "Don't read too much into it." "We could all assume that he's not here because he's unhappy with his contract or something, but that's not fair. He hasn't told me that. No one has told me that he said that, but I think it's unfair to say that he's not here because of that."

The 25-year-old Cook recorded his second consecutive 1,000-yard season last year while also tying the franchise record with 16 rushing touchdowns. In three seasons, Cook has rushed for 2,638 yards and 20 touchdowns.

Cook has publicly expressed his desire for a new contract. In February, he went on Instagram Live and pinned the comment "15 mill year" to the top of the feed, undoubtedly referring to his asking price of $15 million per year. This would make him the third-highest-paid running back behind Philadelphia's Saquon Barkley ($20.6 million) and San Francisco's Christian McCaffrey ($19 million).