Both the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs began OTAs on Tuesday, getting the first portion of real summer workouts underway. There are still signings and cuts that can and will happen by training camp, though these are going to be the rosters for the most part.
That makes it an exciting time, though it's also when players seeking new contracts will officially start holding out in search of a pay raise. The Bills are already dealing with such an issue, as one star player was not present at the first day of OTAs. These are voluntary, though a disgruntled guy's actions now do indicate at least a small willingness to hold out.
25-year-old dual-threat running back James Cook did not show up on Tuesday, which already puts Buffalo behind Kansas City before the summer even truly begins.
Bills RB James Cook Doesn't Show to 1st Day of OTAs Amid Contract Dispute
As reported by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Cook was not present on the first day. He wants that new contract, and in the final year of his deal, there's reason to believe this could drag on for a bit.
The Bills have the least cap space in the league, barring any post-June 1 cuts with just over $1 million left. That's not enough to give Cook what he wants unless the money is deferred, though Cook could reasonably want a sizable salary in year one. Six running backs currently make at least $12 million annually, paced by Saquon Barkley's $20.6 million.
Team | Player | Average annual salary |
|---|---|---|
Philadelphia Eagles | Saquon Barkley | $20.6 million |
San Francisco 49ers | Christian McCaffrey | $19 million |
Baltimore Ravens | Derrick Henry | $15 million |
Indianapolis Colts | Jonathan Taylor | $14 million |
New Orleans Saints | Alvin Kamara | $12.25 million |
Green Bay Packers | Josh Jacobs | $12 million |
That gives the Bills a problem. Cook is younger than all of those players, doesn't have the injury history that McCaffrey, Taylor, and Kamara do, and he looks like he'll soon be considered possibly a top-five back in the league if he isn't already.
He's got 2,834 yards from scrimmage and 24 TDs over the last two seasons, leading the NFL in rushing TDs with 16 in 2024. Cook is a pivotal part of this offense and can demand a salary around Henry's or Taylor's without much trouble, but the Bills don't have the money to make it happen without some moves.
Any coach will tell you the importance of being there with your teammates to build your chemistry. Cook is prioritizing his own bank account. That's an understandable selfish move, though the Chiefs are fortunate they don't have any such distraction entering the summer.