Cris Carter Wants James Cook To “Fake an Injury” to Get Paid by the Bills Amid Hostile Standoff

RB James Cook has not been a part of the training camp so far as the Bills hunt for redemption after a conference loss last year.

Cris Carter Wants James Cook To “Fake an Injury” to Get Paid by the Bills Amid Hostile Standoff

Cris Carter, James Cook (Images via The Boston Globe/CNN)

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The Buffalo Bills open their 2025 preseason on Saturday, facing off against the NFC East’s New York Giants. Despite being deep into the training camp and the beginning of the season, the Bills have yet to conclude the contract extension proceedings of James Cook.

The running back has continued his holdout as he awaits a $15 million contract from the defending AFC East champions. If his request is met and the said contract is provided, Cook will become the third-highest-paid running back in the league, along with the Baltimore Ravens’ Derrick Henry. Saquon Barkley, Super Bowl champion and reigning OPOY, is the highest-paid running back with a $20 million contract.

Amid the hostile standoff between the management and the running back, NFL Hall of Famer Cris Carter has a unique proposition for a resolution in the matter.

Having some type of fake injury that allows you to be there with your teammates. Still working on your conditioning, still in a training camp atmosphere mentality because you can’t get that sitting at home. Can’t create that type of heat.

Cris Carter said on Fully Loaded Podcast

Carter argued that even if Cook cannot fully participate, he should still show up at the team facility so the front office sees him regularly. He explained further by adding that this visibility, showing that he’s fit and ready, reminds the Bills of his value. Additionally, Carter compared it to “checking the groceries” — you want to look like premium quality (Whole Foods), not low-end (Piggly Wiggly).

Although there seems to be a standoff at the moment, the situation is quite far from other contract disputes in the league. James Cook’s agent, Zac Hiller, spoke to The Athletic a few days ago, where he admitted that the running back has no plans to leave Josh Allen and co.

James Cook only wants to be a Buffalo Bill. This isn’t some $200M Micah Parsons–Jerry Jones negotiation. We’re hopeful there’s a resolution soon, and we’ll keep working toward that every day.

Zac Hiller said

Hiller has also come under fire after the second contract drama for him in the offseason. He was also the agent for the Cincinnati Bengals’ rookie defensive end, Shemar Stewart, who had delayed signing a contract due to some disputes on the contract language.

Josh Allen wants James Cook back into the squad immediately

The Bills have closed out their training camp at St. John Fisher without securing a long-term contract for star running back James Cook. While the situation has been a source of frustration for fans eager to see Cook back on the field, the running back has received strong backing from within the locker room.

James Cook
James Cook (A to Z Sports)

Quarterback Josh Allen publicly voiced his support on Thursday, emphasizing the importance of Cook’s negotiations.

This is generational stuff. It’s for you and your family. He’s still going through mental reps. He’s a pro, he knows what he’s doing. We desperately want him out there.

Josh Allen said

Over his first three regular seasons, James Cook has appeared in 49 games (29 starts), amassing 2,638 rushing yards on 533 carries (4.9 yards per attempt) with 20 rushing touchdowns. He has also been exceptionally good as a dual-threat option. Cook has recorded 97 receptions for 883 yards (9.1 yards per catch) and 7 receiving touchdowns across his career.

In 2024, Cook played a significant role in the postseason, where he posted 272 rushing yards and 3 scores in just 3 games. Furthermore, he has been trustworthy with the ball, recording just 6 fumbles in the regular season and none in the playoffs.

Also Read: (Video) Anthony Richardson Gets Badly Hurt in Colts’ First Preseason Game, Scary Photo Shows a Bent Finger