With a contract standoff and trade rumors swirling, Buffalo Bills running back James Cook just got a grim update regarding his future with the team. According to a report, Adam Schefter on his podcast “The Adam Schefter Podcast,” says that Cook will likely sit out for the foreseeable future until he receives a new contract to his liking. However, Bills management isn’t looking to meet the asking price of $15 million per year for the running back, so it doesn’t look like a deal will be getting done anytime soon. Cook is coming off his best campaign last year, recording 207 carries for 1,009 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns in 16 games.
Originally selected in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, the former Georgia product became the main contributor in Josh Allen’s backfield ever since they lost Devin Singletary to the Houston Texans in 2023. Cook took advantage of the opportunity by becoming the first Bill since veteran LeSean McCoy to surpass 1,000 rushing yards. The running back is a valuable member of this offense, but it’s hard to imagine they will pay him a huge amount of money based on two explosive seasons’ worth of production. However, Cook will become a free agent next offseason, so it’s no surprise that he’s looking for a new contract before the 2025 campaign begins.
Mandatory camp will start next week, and it doesn’t look like Cook will make an appearance. While the Bills extended Josh Allen to a major deal, they still need to figure out a way to pay Cook, which will become difficult. It’ll be interesting to see what happens in the following days, but these two teams could be the highest bidders if the Bills put Cook on the trade block.
Breaking: Two-Time Pro Bowler James Cook Receives Grim Update – Chargers, Commanders Highest Trade Bidders?
Saving Harbaugh’s Run Game
Despite signing Najee Harris in free agency, the Los Angeles Chargers were quick to draft Omarion Hampton with their first-round pick this year. Nobody loves the run game more than Jim Harbaugh, so it’s no surprise that the Chargers have the potential to be valuable, but they need an answer sooner rather than later. It doesn’t mean Hampton’s future is bleak in this roster, but the Chargers have the cap space to compensate for a contract that will intrigue Cook. The Bills would never trade Cook to an AFC team, but if they get desperate and want to avoid any locker room distractions, this could be the most likely destination for him.
The Chargers have an adequate quarterback in Justin Herbert and a somewhat rebuilding pass-catching unit. However, since Harbaugh will focus on the run, why not invest in the future and get someone like Cook? He would solve all the problems for their run game and supply Herbert with the best toolkit on the ground.
Serving Jayden Daniels’ Offense
Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders aren’t in dire need of a running back, but they need a massive upgrade. Austin Ekeler hasn’t been able to stay healthy, and Brian Robinson Jr. has been average at best. Since the team has been more about buying than selling, it shouldn’t be surprising if the Commanders look into trading for Cook.
Washington already has a great thing coming together with a stellar quarterback in Jayden Daniels, and after trading for Deebo Samuel, the pieces keep coming together. Perhaps, Cook could be the last piece of the puzzle to complete this potential championship roster.
The post Breaking: Two-Time Pro Bowler Receives Grim Update – Trade More Likely appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.