As the NFL season in 2025 approaches, Buffalo Bills running back James Cook has been making headlines not only for playing time but also contract stalemate. 

ESPN insider Adam Schefter recently discussed on his podcast, "I think this one's gonna go on for a little bit…I don't see a solution coming here in the summer break before training camp opens," suggesting that Cook has "disconnected himself from the organization and the city" by not attending voluntary OTAs and, reportedly listing his home in Buffalo for sale. 

That leaves everybody wondering about Cook's near future with the Bills and his fantasy football value into next season. Let's dissect.

 

James Cook Contract

James Cook is in the final year of his rookie contract, a four-year, $5.83 million deal he signed when he was selected in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. In 2025, he will receive a base salary of $5.271 million with a bonus of $75,000 for workouts, subject to a cap value of $5.701 million. 

Cook has been rumored to be willing to negotiate a fat extension, one said to be in the range of $15 million a year, but there has been some rumor he will try to get as much as $20 million per annum. Yet Schefter has said flat out, "James Cook is great, he ain't getting $20 million."

The Bills, who recently signed quarterback Josh Allen to a $330 million contract extension and several other key players such as Terrel Bernard, Khalil Shakir, and Christian Benford, have not been willing to compromise to Cook's demands. General Manager Brandon Beane confirmed that early extension negotiations broke down and the team moved on to the draft. 

Cook's non-appearance in OTAs and the mandatory minicamp (June 10-12, 2025) as a voluntary measure indicates increasing distance. If he stands firm through training camp, he can be penalized up to $50,000 per day, increasing the tensions even more. 

Schefter's negative report indicates that there is no deal in the works, and trade rumors abound, with teams Washington Commanders and Los Angeles Chargers the reported possible interested parties.

 

James Cook Stats

In spite of all the off-field controversy, Cook's on-field performance makes him a fascinating fantasy football commodity. In three seasons in the NFL, he has proven to be consistently getting better:

  • 2022 (Rookie Season): 89 rushes, 507 yards, 2 TDs; 21 catches, 180 yards, 1 TD; 687 receiving yards, 3 total TDs. Played 16 games as a non-starter, alternating plays in a deep backfield.
  • 2023: 237 carries, 1,122 yards, 2 TDs; 44 receptions, 445 yards, 4 TDs; 1,567 total yards, 6 total TDs. Played 13 of 17 games, was a Pro Bowl alternate.
  • 2024: 207 carries, 1,009 yards, 16 TDs; 32 receptions, 258 yards, 2 TDs; 1,267 total yards, 18 total TDs. Played all 16 games, was named to the Pro Bowl again.

Cook's 2024 campaign was a breakthrough season, with a career high of 16 rushing touchdowns and a career high of 18 total touchdowns. His 4.9 yards per carry and 53.1% success rate reflect his efficiency, and his 84.2% catch rate (32 of 38 targets) demonstrate his worth as a receiving back. 

But his pass-protection liabilities have restricted him to 48-53% of the snaps on offense as the Bills employ a committee rotation involving Ray Davis and Ty Johnson.

 

Buffalo Bills Depth Chart

Bills 2025 running back depth chart features James Cook as the starter, with Ray Davis, Ty Johnson, and Darrynton Evans as backups.

If Cook holds out past training camp or a trade, Davis, a 2024 fourth-round draft choice, might see a larger role. In his rookie season, Davis had potential, and analysts suggest he is a sleeper fantasy candidate if Cook is not on board. 

But with the Bills' committee system, no one back is likely to see so much of the touches that it limits the upside of any replacement.

 

James Cook Fantasy Football Outlook

For fantasy football managers, James Cook is still a high-ceiling but riskier player. With an RB15 and 41st-overall PPR Average Draft Position (ADP), Cook has RB1 upside when healthy and playing. His 2024 campaign—1,267 total yards and 18 scores—illustrates his ability to provide top-end production in the Buffalo high-powered offense with Josh Allen. 

His dual-threat ability, with an average of 2-2.6 receptions per contest in the past two years, renders him especially beneficial in PPR leagues.

But holdout by contract creates uncertainty. If Cook holds out into the season or is traded, his fantasy value can be harmed. A prolonged absence threatens fines and lost touches to Davis or Johnson, or a trade to a team such as the Commanders, which may expand his role (with a pass-happy offense that includes Jayden Daniels, Terry McLaurin, and Deebo Samuel) or disperse his touches in another committee. 

Also, Buffalo's reluctance to pay Cook suggests they may rely on cheaper players such as Davis in 2026, so 2025 may be a "prove-it" year for Cook if he wishes to secure a big contract elsewhere.

Draft Cook as a premium RB2 with potential to be an RB1, but be cautious if drafting him in the early rounds (i.e., Rounds 3-4). 

Pair him with Ray Davis on a handcuff, considering the holdout threat. Keep an eye on the Bills' mandatory minicamp and training camp for Cook's status. 

If there is either an end or an extension, Cook may cement himself as a top-10 fantasy RB. If the standoff continues, consider switching to safer options like Breece Hall or Bijan Robinson in similar ADP ranges.

James Cook's potential and 2024 production make him a fantasy sleeper to watch, but his contract holdout and potential trade bring question marks. 

Watch for your eyes open heading into training camp because Schefter's comments suggest this drama is far from over.

 

 

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