James Cook attends mandatory minicamp
James Cook was in attendance for the Buffalo Bills’ mandatory minicamp on June 10, 2025, despite his ongoing contract dispute. This suggests he is not currently holding out, as he participated to avoid fines. Here are the key details based on available sources:
Mandatory Minicamp Attendance: A Buffalo News article from June 10, 2025, confirmed that Cook was present and fully participated in the Bills’ mandatory minicamp, despite earlier speculation about a potential holdout due to his desire for a $15 million per year contract extension. His attendance was likely motivated by the risk of fines exceeding $100,000 for missing mandatory sessions.
Contract Dispute Context: Cook has been vocal about wanting a new deal, with reports indicating he seeks $15 million annually, a figure that would place him among the NFL’s highest-paid running backs. The Bills, however, have not been close to meeting his demands, leading to tensions, including Cook skipping voluntary OTAs and putting his house up for sale.
No Holdout Confirmation: While Cook’s participation in minicamp suggests he is not holding out as of June 10, he left open the possibility of a “hold-in” (attending but not practicing) during training camp, stating, “I don’t know man. We should see when camp comes,” in response to questions about his plans. A training camp hold-in remains an option, but Cook’s current participation indicates he is not actively holding out.
Why This Matters: Cook’s decision to attend minicamp aligns with the financial penalties outlined in the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement, which deter prolonged holdouts. Missing minicamp could have cost him up to $104,768, and training camp absences could lead to $40,000 daily fines. His presence suggests a pragmatic approach, balancing his contract push with team obligations.
Summary: As of June 11, 2025, James Cook is not holding out, as evidenced by his attendance and participation in the Bills’ mandatory minicamp on June 10. However, his contract situation remains unresolved, and he has not ruled out future actions, such as a hold-in during training camp.