Kirk Cousins and James Cook Headline Players Skipping Voluntary OTAs

Atlanta Falcons QB Kirk Cousins and Buffalo Bills RB James Cook are looking for different levels of clarity before the 2025 NFL season starts.

Kirk Cousins and James Cook Headline Players Skipping Voluntary OTAs

Kirk Cousins and James Cook among notable players missing from voluntary OTAs (Image via Adam Schefter/NFL/X)

NFL teams are still months away from finalizing their opening-day rosters. For players seeking a job, a different role, or a better deal, these next few months will be their last chance to do so. Someone like James Cook is looking for the best possible deal, whereas Kirk Cousins is fighting for his career.

The latter is in a predicament with the Atlanta Falcons. He was supposed to be the bridge before Michael Penix Jr. takes over. But 9 interceptions in his last 5 games were not the qualities of a quarterback the Falcons paid $100 million in guaranteed money to bring in.

Penix Jr. did not have the best of starts, winning 1 and losing 2 of the games he started. But he did grow confident with each passing game, and kept the Falcons in the hunt in the last two overtime losses. That gave the franchise the confidence that he could take over earlier than expected.

Initially, it was thought that the 36-year-old QB would be cut. Then his $10 million roster bonus triggered, and many believed it was a sign that he could stay on. But he wants clarity on his role and wants to start, which he seemingly mentioned to franchise owner Arthur Blank.

Now, ESPN’s NFL Insider Adam Schefter reports that the Illinois native has skipped voluntary OTAs. That suggests that Kirk Cousins might not have received clarity on his role, and is waiting until he is happy with what is defined for him to return to work.

James Cook looking to get paid

25-year-old James Cook is without a doubt an important cog in the Buffalo Bills’ wheel. His prowess behind Josh Allen is one of the reasons the franchise is considered a legitimate Super Bowl contender.

However, he is about to enter the last year of his four-year rookie contract. In 2025, he will be paid $5.7 million, but he knows he can secure a lot more once his team and the Bills’ front office hash out the details. Considering how Saquon Barkley has helped to bring back the respect running backs were due, Cook is expecting a big jump in his bank account.

James Cook wants to get a fat contract before 2025 season starts
#4 James Cook wants to get a fat contract before 2025 season starts (Image via Imago)

He has delivered back-to-back 1000-yard rushing seasons and is expected to have a breakout season, as many do in a contract year. But even without the strains of contract negotiations, the Bills know he is one of the best players on their roster.

Considering how running backs are bringing the zing back into championship-winning football, it would be wise for them to lock him up before it becomes even more expensive. They have just paid Allen a monster deal, and Cook is aware of how much leverage he has.

That is why he has chosen to skip voluntary OTAs. It is the last option to pile the pressure on the front office without being fined for missing work. If it all goes as per plan, Cook should be returning soon to practice with a fat check in his hands.

Kirk Cousins could seek a trade if nothing materializes

The Buffalo Bills might not let James Cook walk away, but the same cannot be said for Kirk Cousins. The Atlanta Falcons might save themselves a pretty buck if someone takes his monster contract off their cap, but it might not be as easy as it sounds.

All the teams are aware of his disastrous performances last season. Therefore, with most of the quarterback rotations set, teams might not be willing to help the team. Moreover, a connection is building between Penix Jr. and Cousins, which could force the franchise to keep the veteran on as a mentor.

But that mentor also wants to start. If the franchise does not start him, he might hand in a trade request. The last thing a team on the rise would want is to have a locker room fallout. Therefore, they could come up with a compromise where Cousins returns as a starter, and they send Penix Jr. in on certain plays just to keep the balance.

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