ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — As the Buffalo Bills kicked off their voluntary organized team activities, almost the entire roster was present, except for running back James Cook and pass rusher Joey Bosa, who both missed the session.
Head coach Sean McDermott shared updates on Cook and Bosa during a press conference prior to the on-field activities. Bosa, who “pulled a calf” last Thursday in practice, is not expected to participate in spring activities but should be ready for the start of training camp.
Cook, entering the final year of his rookie contract, has made it clear he’s looking for a contract extension, particularly after the Bills inked deals with other members of the 2022 draft class this offseason, such as linebacker Terrel Bernard, wide receiver Khalil Shakir, and cornerback Christian Benford. “Yeah, we’re staying in touch, like you’d expect a player and a coach to do,” McDermott said. “So, James will be here when he’s ready to be here and we move forward.”
The Bills have a mandatory minicamp scheduled for June 10-12, which will be crucial as they look to solidify their roster for the upcoming season. Cook had a standout year last season, tying a franchise record with 16 rushing touchdowns after scoring two in each of his first two campaigns. His desire for a new contract was boldly asserted when he took to Instagram, pinning a message indicating he’s aiming for “15 mill [per] year.”
General manager Brandon Beane has expressed confidence that Cook will be ready for the season, and left tackle Dion Dawkins echoed that sentiment. “We feel like we don’t have nothing to do with it and whatever is going on upstairs, it will handle itself,” Dawkins said. He emphasized the Bills’ culture, highlighting their commitment to supporting their players. “I do know that with the culture that goes on here is we take care of ours, and some processes are longer than others. Cook is a good kid, and he plays hard. We don’t know how Beane is, but he has a job, and he’ll figure it out. Hopefully, we’ll be seeing our boy Cook soon.”
As for Bosa, who signed a one-year contract this spring, concerns about injuries persist. Having dealt with multiple injuries over the past few seasons, Bosa has only participated in 28 of 51 games during that span. “Listen, it is concerning,” McDermott acknowledged. “Durability and availability are key ties to our roster. We look ahead in terms of what he’s doing now, which is getting himself the treatment that he needs. He’s working hard at it, and that’s all he can control right now. We’ll get him back when we get him back, probably for training camp.”
Among the nearly full attendance at OTAs was reigning league MVP quarterback Josh Allen, who showed his leadership by fully participating. McDermott noted the significance of Allen’s presence, especially with his upcoming wedding to actress and musician Hailee Steinfeld. “I think it says everything [that Allen’s in attendance],” McDermott stated. “He is the face of our organization. He’s the leader of our team. When he’s here, like anything else as a leader, it speaks and holds a tremendous amount of weight. His words and his actions are exponentially impactful to the whole roster, the whole team.”
As the Bills forge ahead into the offseason, the interplay of player health, contract negotiations, and leadership dynamics will undoubtedly shape their preparations for what promises to be an exciting season ahead.
