Bills' Cook eyes new deal without holdout: 'Deserve what I want'

Bills running back James Cook is still eyeing a new contract despite reporting to Buffalo's training camp and avoiding a holdout.

"We've had talks," Cook told reporters Thursday. "I'm never going to give up. I deserve what I want - what I need. It's going to eventually happen."

He added: "It's going to get done, wherever it happens at."

Drafted by Buffalo in the second round in 2022, Cook is entering the final year of his rookie contract with a $5.2 million base salary, according to Over The Cap.

The 26-year-old hinted at his expectations for his next pact in February, pinning a comment on an Instagram Live that suggested he'd like to earn $15 million per season. That figure would put Cook among the NFL's highest-paid running backs, matching Derrick Henry's annual average salary with the Baltimore Ravens and trailing only Saquon Barkley and Christian McCaffrey.

However, Cook has built a solid case to earn a big payday, recording back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and leading the league in rushing touchdowns (16) in 2024. Despite ongoing negotiations, Cook said Thursday that he'd like to stay in Buffalo and retire with the Bills.

"The quarterback and the fans," Cook said when asked why he wants to remain in Buffalo. "It's a great organization. I mean, they drafted me, and they drafted me for a reason. I'm willing to be here."

The Georgia product has 3,521 total yards and 27 scores in 49 career games.