The contract standoff continues with Buffalo Bills star James Cook as he lists his home for sale, which indicates he’s serious about getting a new deal soon. According to the breaking news, the running back is not waiting around as the Bills are stalling on giving him a new contract, so Cook sold his home in Orchard Park, putting pressure on the Bills. However, he will likely have to wait until after the NFL Draft, as the running back is willing to sit out games if it comes to it. Cook listing his place for sale is an indicator he will likely request a trade soon if the Bills aren’t quick with the negotiation process, which wasn’t long before Cook removed everything related to the team on his Instagram page.
Originally selected in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, the former Georgia product became one of the best runners in the league for the Bills, surpassing a record set by LeSean McCoy in 2023. After recording 237 carries for 1,122 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns, the running back was on fire the following season. Cook does deserve a new deal, but it’s hard to imagine the Bills will get it done at all this month. There’s still plenty of time, but the team should probably act fast, or he could receive trade interest from these three teams.
Contract Standoff: Bills Star James Cook Lists Home for Sale – Trade Could Come Soon
Three Logical Fits
Los Angeles Chargers
Last season, the Chargers had an average running game and didn’t exceed the expectations that head coach Jim Harbaugh. While they can’t fully depend on the ground game, the Chargers could use another running back even after signing Najee Harris. He’s on a one-year deal, so the team will likely test the waters and see how he could excel behind the Chargers’ offensive line. It’s a surprise that the Chargers didn’t bring back J.K. Dobbins, but they could take a risk on him, already battling injuries last season, again.
Gus Edwards didn’t do much to help the ground game as he was struggling to move the chains. Perhaps the team could use someone like Cook if the Bills would allow a trade. It might not be possible, but at the right deal, anything offer could go through if the Chargers play their cards right. Los Angeles needs some new life on offense, and Cook could provide that upon arriving on the team.
Kansas City Chiefs
For the Chiefs, Isiah Pacheco’s future is hanging on a thread as the running back is hoping to turn things around this upcoming season. He’s entering the last year of his contract, and while he’s eligible for a new deal, the team is waiting to see how he could perform without giving him a contract to run the risk of more injuries. Kareem Hunt did carry the ground game, and while they have an overcrowding running back room, the team could trade for Cook if Pacheco doesn’t work out.
Carolina Panthers
No one is taking Chuba Hubbard’s job. However, the duo in Detroit between David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs is working well in Carolina. Perhaps the Panthers should go “all-in” for Cook if Rico Dowdle becomes a bust and fails to meet expectations as a capable backup for Hubbard.
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