Buffalo, NY – April 5, 2025
The Buffalo Bills’ offseason drama hit fever pitch this week as star running back James Cook listed his Orchard Park home for sale, signaling a contract standoff that’s spiraled out of control. Sources told ESPN Sunday that within hours of the listing, three teams fired off trade requests to GM Brandon Beane, eyeing the two-time Pro Bowler as the Bills stall on his $15 million annual demand.
Cook’s move to sell—coupled with wiping Bills content from his Instagram—sent shockwaves through the NFL, hinting he’s ready to bolt if a new deal doesn’t materialize before the 2025 NFL Draft. With his $5.7 million cap hit in its final year, Beane’s phone lit up with offers from teams desperate for a dual-threat RB.
First up, the Los Angeles Chargers lobbed a bid—rumored to be a 2025 third-round pick and a 2026 fifth—hoping to juice a run game that floundered under Jim Harbaugh in 2024. After signing Najee Harris to a one-year pact and losing J.K. Dobbins, LA sees Cook as the spark their backfield craves.
Not far behind, the Kansas City Chiefs threw their hat in, offering a 2025 fourth-rounder and a conditional 2026 pick, per insiders. With Isiah Pacheco’s contract expiring and injury risks looming, Chiefs GM Brett Veach views Cook as a seamless fit for Patrick Mahomes’ attack.
The Carolina Panthers rounded out the trio, dangling a 2025 third-round pick to pair Cook with Chuba Hubbard. After Rico Dowdle’s lackluster backup stint, Carolina’s dreaming of a Montgomery-Gibbs duo vibe to ignite their ground game.
Cook’s 2024 haul—1.009 rushing yards, an NFL-leading 16 TDs, and 258 receiving yards on 32 catches—makes him a hot commodity. His 4.5 yards per carry and record-breaking 2023 (1.122 yards, surpassing LeSean McCoy) scream value, but Bills fans dread losing their RB1.
Bills Mafia erupted on X: “Three teams already? Beane, pay him!” The $4.45 million cap space complicates a new deal, and Beane’s silence—focused on draft prep—fuels trade buzz. Cook’s ready to sit out, and these suitors are circling fast.
If Beane caves, the Bills could lose Cook’s spark for picks, reshaping a 9th-ranked run game (135.2 yards/game). For now, the trade frenzy’s just begun, and Buffalo’s on the clock.
