The Buffalo Payments bought their RB1 again at apply as we speak, as James Cook dinner has, a minimum of for now, ended his hold-in and returned to the apply discipline. Cook dinner is in search of a contract extension as he heads into the ultimate yr of his rookie contract and appears to capitalize on an enormous 2024 season.
Cook dinner did present as much as coaching camp and even participated the primary few days, however that modified rapidly as he determined to forego training whereas his illustration labored on getting a brand new contract. He then determined to not play of their first preseason recreation regardless of McDermott wanting him on the market. Fortunately for the Payments and Cook dinner’s fantasy backers, that hold-in has apparently ended as we speak, as Cook dinner has proven as much as apply:
Earlier than apply, head coach Sean McDermott informed reporters that Cook dinner would apply as a result of “issues have modified,” per Cameron Wolfe. What precisely these issues are isn’t recognized at this level. Perhaps negotiations are transferring in a optimistic course or possibly Cook dinner realized he had no leverage and he’s determined to cave. At this level it’s exhausting to know.
We do know that Cook dinner went from scoring two speeding touchdowns in every of his first two seasons to a whopping 16 in 2024, including two extra by the air to hit 18 on the yr. However, he truly noticed a lower in carries, receptions and yards final yr. Touchdowns are considerably random statistically, which is probably going a sticking level when assessing his worth to the crew longterm. Buffalo is in win-now mode, however they do have a robust backup in Ray Davis. The crew might get by with out Cook dinner, however would somewhat have that one-two punch to go together with higher depth.
His return isn’t the tip of this mini-saga, however it’s a good signal for Cook dinner’s fantasy soccer worth, as we want him sitting atop that depth chart to start out Week 1. He’ll be hard-pressed to place up landing numbers like he did final season, however that doesn’t imply he’ll revert to his paltry pre-2024 numbers both. He proved himself across the goalie and can proceed to get work there so long as he stays profitable.
