Marshawn Lynch’s impact might be more subtle than it seems.
Known for his phrase “I’m here so I won’t be fined,” which he famously used before Super Bowl 2014, Lynch’s terse interactions with the media are now mirrored by James Cook, a running back looking for consideration from his team.
Cook, who’s aiming for an extension with the Bills before he becomes a free agent in 2026, missed a mandatory practice on Sunday.
Why? Well, he simply said, “Business.”
This was apparently repeated eight times.
Currently in the last year of his rookie contract, which he signed as the second draft pick in 2022, Cook is pushing for a significant extension, something that can be tough for players in his position. His contract includes a fully guaranteed $1.42 million signing bonus and totals $5.83 million over four years, with an average of about $3.1 million annually.
There’s talk that he’s looking for around $15 million per year, which would place him among the highest-paid running backs in the NFL.
Interestingly, Cook, a standout from Georgia, expressed his belief that a deal would be finalized soon, possibly during training camp.
“But it’s going to happen—just a matter of when,” he commented.
Bill’s General Manager Brandon Bean mentioned on July 24 that sometimes there’s a disconnect in making these agreements happen.
Cook’s absence at practice adds fuel to the speculation about his future with the organization.
So far, the Bills have not made any public statements regarding Cook’s situation.
Last season, he rushed for over 1,000 yards for the second consecutive year and recorded an impressive 18 touchdowns in 2024. The year prior, he achieved a career-high of 1,122 rushing yards.
