Buffalo Bills running back James Cook has officially announced his decision to withdraw from the 2025 NFL season, igniting a storm of controversy and concern within the organization and fanbase alike. After skipping OTAs earlier this spring and recently listing his Buffalo home for sale, speculation about his future with the team reached a boiling point. Now, those suspicions have been confirmed.
Insider Adam Schefter added fuel to the fire this week, saying, “I don’t think we’ll be seeing him in Buffalo anytime soon.” His comment comes amid ongoing tensions between Cook and the Bills’ offensive coaching staff, reportedly stemming from disagreements over his role in the offense and a lack of input in game planning.
Sources close to the situation reveal that Cook has grown increasingly frustrated with the team’s direction and what he views as a failure to maximize his talents. After a breakout 2024 campaign where he posted career highs in rushing yards and receptions, Cook was expected to be a centerpiece of the Bills’ offense moving forward. Instead, mounting friction with offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey appears to have pushed him toward a dramatic exit.
The Bills organization has yet to release an official statement, though insiders say team executives were “blindsided” by the move. Talks of a potential trade or even a long-term holdout are now dominating headlines.
Cook’s withdrawal could have serious implications for the Bills’ 2025 season, leaving a major gap in their backfield and putting additional pressure on quarterback Josh Allen.
As this saga unfolds, fans and analysts alike are asking: Is this just the beginning of a larger internal shakeup in Buffalo?