The Buffalo Bills had rookies report to training camp on Tuesday, July 15, while veterans reported on Tuesday, July 22, at St. John Fisher University in Rochester, New York. Veterans and players on rookie contracts are subject to massive fines if they do not report to camp and for skipping each day of practice without an excused absence. According to Over The Cap, veterans are fined $50,000 per day, while players on rookie contracts face fines of $40,000 per day.
With report day looming, all eyes were on whether the Bills’ 2x-Pro Bowler would show up.
Buffalo Bills’ RB wants a new contract
James Cook is reportedly seeking a new contract worth $15 million per year, making him tied for the third-highest-paid running back in the NFL. The Bills and the Pro Bowl back have made no progress, and neither side is close to a deal, with him scheduled to earn a $5.271 million base salary and a $5.701 million cap hit in 2025. Cook did participate in mandatory minicamp, forgoing $104,768 in fines.
Also Read: Buffalo Bills: Star Running Back’s Desired Asking Price Revealed Ahead of 2025 Offseason, Buffalo Bills: Top Playmaker Reveals His Plans for Mandatory Minicamp
Buffalo Bills’ 2x-Pro Bowl back reveals plans for training camp
According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, James Cook will report to training camp on Tuesday, forgoing $40,000 per day in fines. However, the extent of his participation is unclear at this point. As Pelissero points out, Cook may conduct a hold-in by attending practice but not participating until a deal is done.
As the #Bills report to camp, sources say 2x Pro Bowl RB James Cook will be there, though it remains to be seen how involved he’ll be on the field.
Cook took part in June minicamp and wants to win a Super Bowl in Buffalo. But after a 23-TD season, he still expects a new deal. pic.twitter.com/n2IVfuSMAj
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 22, 2025
Who starts at RB if he holds in?
Second-year Ray Davis could take over as the starting running back throughout the summer with James Cook potentially sidelined. The fourth-round pick had a solid rookie season and saw his role increase later on. Davis rushed for 442 yards on 113 carries and three touchdowns, plus 17 receptions for 189 yards and three touchdowns in 17 games and 264 (24%) offensive snaps.
Ty Johnson is another back who could see his role increase as well.
