This article was originally published on www.si.com/nfl/bills as Former All-Pro RB tabs Bills’ James Cook as ‘essential’ in 2025 index. If there is anything Maurice Jones-Drew can assess as an NFL Network analyst, it is the running back position.

The Buffalo Bills and James Cook are locked in a stalemate right now. The fourth-year running back is entering the final season of his rookie contract, worth $5.3 million. He's clearly worth more than that after an explosive 2024 campaign,

USAToday is reporting that "there’s growing optimism James Cook and the Bills can reach a contract agreement by training camp.''