The Buffalo Bills must realize that retaining talented skill players keeps their Super Bowl window open.
Bills fourth-year running back James Cook is entering the final year of his rookie deal and has made it clear he wants an extension. However, the 2022 second-round pick isn’t holding out of training camp to obtain one.
The two-time Pro Bowler plans to report to training camp Tuesday, via NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero. Whether he’ll participate in drills remains unclear.
The Bills should still pay the star RB.
Cook — who turns 26 on Sept. 25 — has indicated he wants a deal worth $15M annually. That would tie him with Baltimore Ravens RB Derrick Henry for the third-highest-paid player at the position.
While that would be a significant financial commitment, his price could increase if he has another stellar year.
Cook tied with Henry and Detroit Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs for the league’s most rushing touchdowns (16 in 16 regular-season games) last season. He also ran for two TDs in a 32-29 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game.
Injuries can be a concern for RBs because of the nature of the position, but Cook has looked durable. He sat out one game in his first three seasons with Buffalo, but that was for rest before the playoffs.
His solid track record has likely caught the attention of league insiders. Cook ranked No. 8 in the annual positional rankings survey of ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, featuring thoughts from executives, coaches and scouts.
“He’s perfect for that offense, with a quarterback that spreads things out,” an AFC executive said of Cook, per Fowler. “He’s good in the passing game, catches the ball really well, good in open space. Not sure he’s elite yet, but he’s really, really good.”
The Bills lack another back who’s of the caliber of Cook. RB Ray Davis recorded Buffalo’s third-most rushing yards (442 in 17 regular-season games) last season. QB Josh Allen, meanwhile, had the team’s second-most rushing yards (531 in 16 regular-season games).
The Bills, of course, could wait until next offseason to sign Cook, but why wait? Solidifying his future with the franchise may make more sense.
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