James Cook Holds Out of Practice Over Contract

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook sat out Sunday’s training camp practice as part of a 'hold-in' strategy, being present but not participating while seeking a contract extension. Cook, a two-time Pro Bowler, is entering the final year of his rookie deal and is seeking around $15 million per season, which would rank him among the NFL's highest-paid running backs. Despite earlier attending mandatory minicamp and participating in training camp to avoid fines, Cook is now using his absence from practice to express dissatisfaction with stalled negotiations. The Bills have not commented on the situation, and Cook has cited 'business' as his explanation without further detail. Several other Bills players received contract extensions earlier in the offseason, making Cook the notable exception. The ongoing impasse has raised questions about Cook’s availability for the upcoming season and added uncertainty to the Bills' 2025 preparations.