PITTSFORD, N.Y. — The air was thick with tension as Buffalo Bills running back James Cook reported to training camp on time, gearing up for a promising 2025 season. Everything seemed smooth until the unexpected happened during the ninth practice.

On July 23, Coach Sean McDermott confidently stated Cook was ‘ready to go,’ only for Cook to suddenly take a day off, shocking teammates and staff alike. Initially thought to be a logical ‘vet rest’ day, it became clear that something deeper was brewing.

Cook’s unconventional ‘hold-in’—a term used when a player participates in training without practicing—has left the organization in a precarious position. The Bills were caught off guard, especially since Cook had actively engaged in the previous eight sessions.

With his contract up and a shaky $5 million salary looming for the 2025 season after a record-breaking performance last year, Cook's absence is more than just a distraction; it's a critical issue that needs resolution.

The Contract Stand-Off