The contract negotiations between running back James Cook and the Buffalo Bills have hit a significant roadblock, with recent developments suggesting that a trade could be imminent. Reports indicate that Cook, a two-time Pro Bowler and a key component of the Bills’ offense, is growing increasingly disconnected from the team and the city of Buffalo. ESPN’s Adam Schefter recently highlighted the severity of the situation, noting that Cook has put his house up for sale and may not return to Buffalo anytime soon.
“You’ve got a guy who’s unhappy with his contractual situation… (He) has basically disconnected himself from the organization and the city,” Schefter said on his podcast. “Put his house up for sale… I don’t think we’ll be seeing him in Buffalo anytime soon. Again, the start of training camp will be the next critical moment. If they don’t have a deal done there or by then, does James Cook show up for training camp? Does he risk the penalties that come along in the collective bargaining agreement if he doesn’t show up?”
The growing rift between Cook and the Bills has fueled speculation that general manager Brandon Beane may have no choice but to explore trading the star running back. While trading Cook once seemed unlikely due to his importance to Buffalo’s offense, the latest developments suggest a deal could be on the horizon.
One team reportedly eyeing Cook is the Dallas Cowboys, a franchise in desperate need of a reliable running back. According to Pro Football and Sports Network’s Hayden Victoria, Dallas is a prime candidate to pursue Cook in a potential trade. “The Dallas Cowboys are still searching for answers at running back after Tony Pollard’s exit and a disappointing 2024 committee approach,” Victoria wrote. “Cook offers proven production and the ability to carry a full workload. In an offense led by Dak Prescott and supported by a high-powered receiving corps, Cook could become the featured back Dallas needs.”
The Cowboys’ running back situation has been a weak point since losing Rico Dowdle, their leading rusher from 2024, to free agency. Dallas attempted to address the position by signing Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders while drafting rookie Jaydon Blue. However, Williams underperformed during his time in Denver, Sanders appears to be past his prime, and Blue remains unproven as he enters his first NFL season. Cook, with his explosive playmaking ability, would represent a significant upgrade over the current trio and could thrive alongside Dallas’ dynamic passing game, featuring stars like CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens.
However, acquiring Cook would come with financial challenges for the Cowboys. Spotrac projects Cook’s next contract to be a four-year, $40.8 million deal, though he may be seeking closer to $15 million per year. Dallas’ cap situation in 2026 is tight, but their financial outlook improves in 2027, potentially allowing them to structure a contract that pushes significant money to future years. Securing a long-term extension for Cook would be a prerequisite for any trade, as the Cowboys would need to ensure their investment in the star running back is sustainable.
As the Bills and Cowboys reportedly inch closer to a blockbuster trade, the question remains: could James Cook be the missing piece to elevate Dallas’ offense to new heights? With training camp looming as a critical deadline, all eyes will be on Buffalo and Dallas to see if they can finalize a deal that sends the $40 million star to Big D.