Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane expressed surprise and disappointment after running back James Cook held out of practice due to contract extension talks. Cook stated he was sitting out of practice for “business” reasons, sparking a conversation with Beane on WGR 550’s “The Jeremy & Joe Show”.
Beane acknowledged that the team wasn’t aware of Cook’s intentions until shortly before practice, and emphasized the need for both sides to agree on a contract extension. Cook is seeking an extension worth around $15 million per year, which would put him among the top rushers in the NFL.
While Beane understands that players want to respond to their situations, he expressed his disappointment at Cook’s decision to sit out practice. The Bills had previously discussed the possibility of extending Cook, but ultimately couldn’t come to an agreement on a deal.
Beane stated that the team will treat Cook’s absence as an injury and use the “next-man-up” philosophy, giving other backs more reps in practice. However, he emphasized that the Bills’ approach to paying running backs is centered around finding a mutually beneficial contract.
Cook enters his final year of his current contract, which pays him $5.271 million in base salary. The team’s decision to extend Cook will depend on whether both sides can reach an agreement on a deal worth around $15 million per year.
Source: https://www.nfl.com/news/bills-gm-brandon-beane-james-cook-hold-in-plans-fully-aware-contract