Cook, 25, has skipped the team’s voluntary offseason program, including workouts in April and OTAs on May 27–29, June 2, and June 5. He was the only Bills player absent in May, as 89 of 90 players were in attendance. The team’s mandatory minicamp, scheduled for June 10–12, looms as another key moment in the negotiation timeline.

According to NFL insider Adam Schefter on a recent episode of The Adam Schefter Podcast, James Cook’s contract frustration with the Buffalo Bills is becoming a major storyline.

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook already skipped OTAs and may not attend mandatory minicamp amid an ongoing contract dispute. ESPN's Adam Schefter reports Cook is "unhappy" with his situation and "disconnected" himself from the team and the city of Buffalo ahead of the 2025 season.