Is Cook worth it?

[JakeFrommStateFarm]

Ralph is cheap

[Mister Defense]

54 minutes ago, Dillenger4 said:

Give Cook what he wants or close to. Second best player on our team. End thread.

without Cook we are in trouble and he knows it.

 

Yup to all.  Will happen and very very soon, and will be great to see the Cook haters' reactions.

 

Such an obvious thing, and then a bizarre, flat out dumb, OPost like this, with a load of crap--'stop complaining'--what is an example of Cook complaining in the recent months or weeks?--be a TEAM player--when all indications are he is a consummate team player,  respected and loved by his teammates and coaches.

 

Etcetera

 

OP: So listen to all my uninformed and ignorant 'thoughts" and get out there and do these things/don't do these things and have a huuuge year--then maybe the Bills pay you well. If not, well nice knowing you.  An injury this year, in your last year of your contract, one that changes the trajectory of your career, maybe ends it? Too bad for you.

 

What an awful OP, filled with things, of course!, that are just nonsense-- and loaded with ignorant arrogance.  Cringeworthy crap.

 

 

 

Edited July 11 by Mister Defense

[Jauronimo]

8 hours ago, rocky61 said:

This seems simple enough...tell our running back to get back in tune with the team, and believe in yourself as a TEAM player. Play better than last season, and the Bills will give you close to what you want, for the following seasons, a long term deal will work out. Prove you are worth what you want, it's still a little high, but, you and the team management can work things out this off season coming...This could mean several trips to the BIG game. You stop complaining, and just do your job. If you get a trade you want, oh, they will give you that trade but, it will be to a team rebuilding, or has no chance to even make to the play-offs and this is your best shot for that elusive ring.

Just sayin'...

 

I think Mr. Cook needs to pull himself up by the boot straps and be his own boss.  I would tell Mr. Cook to print out 20 copies of his resume on hard stock and talk to every hiring manager in town.  You'd be surprised how far a little but of gumption, a firm hand shake, and direct eye contact can take you.  And another thing, sit up straight and never slouch Senor Cook.  And it would it kill you to eat your vegetables or call your mother a little more often Cook San?  And give it a break with the video games, they'll rot your brain Herr Cook!  Oh, I think our Mr. Cook is gonna be alright.

 

But thats not important right now.  The important part is that I tied an onion to my belt, as was the style at the time....

[DrDawkinstein]

1 hour ago, Augie said:

 

So, you’d be happy having one good year and 5 lousy years?  I’d prefer to enjoy all 6 seasons to some extent. To each their own. The Jets SB victory brings no joy today to anyone in their right mind, and that was an historic game. 

 

Yes. We lived through 20 lousy years with nothing to show for it already. Folks older than me lived through 10-20 lousy years before that as well, again with nothing to show for it. We had great years... with nothing to show for it.

 

At this point, the monkey on our back is a SB win. That is the relief valve for build up of 30-40 lousy seasons.

 

The Jets SB was 60 years ago. Not 5. 

 

Worked for the Rams. Buccaneer fans arent hurting.

 

And we'll never be really lousy as long as we have Josh. And even as a McD critic, we'd never go under .500 with him around either. But if that was the monkey paw trade offer, I'll take 5 lousy years if it meant 1 Lombardi. I'd be shocked if most Bills fans dont feel the same way.

[Augie]

1 hour ago, DrDawkinstein said:

 

Yes. We lived through 20 lousy years with nothing to show for it already. Folks older than me lived through 10-20 lousy years before that as well, again with nothing to show for it. We had great years... with nothing to show for it.

 

At this point, the monkey on our back is a SB win. That is the relief valve for build up of 30-40 lousy seasons.

 

The Jets SB was 60 years ago. Not 5. 

 

Worked for the Rams. Buccaneer fans arent hurting.

 

And we'll never be really lousy as long as we have Josh. And even as a McD critic, we'd never go under .500 with him around either. But if that was the monkey paw trade offer, I'll take 5 lousy years if it meant 1 Lombardi. I'd be shocked if most Bills fans dont feel the same way.

 

That’s fine, but I don’t think the Rams or Bucs fans go in to this year feeling any better about things. Something that happened in the past will not have any impact on how much I enjoy next season. I guess we are just different that way, and that’s just fine. 

 

I know I’m probably in a small minority here on this topic, but I prefer looking forward rather than backward.  

 

Now, if we could just start playing some football again…but I want to enjoy summer first. 

 

EDIT: As far as nothing to show for it, I don’t see it that way at all. Even decades ago, I got a LOT out of those seasons. Not always a lot of playoff success or SBs, but I enjoyed the ride and the time with family and friends commiserating on our ride. I’ve had a lot of great Bills experiences, even during the down years. Sure, winning is more fun, but I don’t need a trophy to have enjoyed the games. 

 

.

Edited July 11 by Augie

[DrDawkinstein]

12 minutes ago, Augie said:

 

That’s fine, but I don’t think the Rams or Bucs fans go in to this year feeling any better about things. Something that happened in the past will not have any impact on how much I enjoy next season. I guess we are just different that way, and that’s just fine. 

 

I know I’m probably in a small minority here on this topic, but I prefer looking forward rather than backward.  

 

Now, if we could just start playing some football again…but I want to enjoy summer first. 

 

Agreed on the summer part.  

 

And I mostly agree with your general philosophy. But I think a Super Bowl win would provide most Bills fans with such a relief of pent up pressure that we'd experience the same thing I saw in a lot of my UGA Bulldog fan friends after they won their recent championships - which was an almost complete disconnect the next year.

 

I know I, personally, could use a "year off". And having that win in your pocket makes it easy to cruise through the next season with no pressure and very little care to how it plays out.

 

Coming off a Bills Super Bowl victory, I know I could sit back and watch every game the following season with a "that's fine" attitude no matter what happens. JMO

[RoscoeParrish]

22 minutes ago, Augie said:

That’s fine, but I don’t think the Rams or Bucs fans go in to this year feeling any better about things

Really?

 

I feel like they are absolutely elated to have won a championship in recent history AND be in playoff contention every year.

 

If you had to rank happiest fanbases over the last 5 years, it has to be Eagles, Chiefs, Bucs, Rams in any order, right?

 

All 4 of those teams won a title recently and always make the playoffs and/or win playoff games.
 

For the Rams, the end is near with Stafford’s age, but they were also a play away from beating the eventual SB champs. It’s not like their windows have snapped shut.

[TheFunPolice]

Pay the man. Cook is a great player. 

 

Go short term if you must. But send a Brinks truck full of cash to Cook's house and get the man on the field so that we can go win a Super Bowl!

[Augie]

18 minutes ago, RoscoeParrish said:

Really?

 

I feel like they are absolutely elated to have won a championship in recent history AND be in playoff contention every year.

 

If you had to rank happiest fanbases over the last 5 years, it has to be Eagles, Chiefs, Bucs, Rams in any order, right?

 

All 4 of those teams won a title recently and always make the playoffs and/or win playoff games.
 

For the Rams, the end is near with Stafford’s age, but they were also a play away from beating the eventual SB champs. It’s not like their windows have snapped shut.

 

I think every fan base goes into the season with their emotions based almost entirely on their prospects for the upcoming season. Sure, a warm glow of a SB victory is nice, but that only carries me so far. I realize that will be unpopular with many who “need” a SB. Maybe that’s why so many people around here seem so miserable? 🤷‍♂️

 

I’m more excited about next season than I am disappointed we didn’t win it all last year. I’m not telling anyone else how to feel, but that’s me. 

[RoscoeParrish]

6 minutes ago, Augie said:

 

I think every fan base goes into the season with their emotions based almost entirely on their prospects for the upcoming season. Sure, a warm glow of a SB victory is nice, but that only carries me so far. I realize that will be unpopular with many who “need” a SB. Maybe that’s why so many people around here seem so miserable? 🤷‍♂️

 

I’m more excited about next season than I am disappointed we didn’t win it all last year. I’m not telling anyone else how to feel, but that’s me. 

I don’t think I agree.

 

I talk to a lot of Chiefs fans.

 

They weren’t really upset about the result of the Super Bowl. They said it sucked to watch, but they also had the “we’ve won 2 out of 3, it happens” mentality. “Whatever, we’ll be back next year,” is kind of the theme.

 

Personally, I think if the Bills get annihilated in the Super Bowl like that in 2025, there will be figurative blood in the streets. It will not be “aw shucks, we will be back.”  That’s just my opinion based on my experiences.

 

[paulmm3]

2018 when the Rams rolled Todd Gurley who got injured, Malcolm Brown who got injured, John Kelly who got injured, and signed CJ Anderson off his sofa who came in and played awesome convinced me the value of running backs maybe isn't so high above replacement. I feel like the list of RBs who've done well after big contracts is basically Saquon and Adrian Peterson maybe and that's it. Though I'm sure I'm forgetting some.

 

Cook is a good player, but I just don't think at the RB position one player has enough added value over their backup to be worth a lot of the team's salary cap.

[Augie]

2 hours ago, RoscoeParrish said:

I don’t think I agree.

 

I talk to a lot of Chiefs fans.

 

They weren’t really upset about the result of the Super Bowl. They said it sucked to watch, but they also had the “we’ve won 2 out of 3, it happens” mentality. “Whatever, we’ll be back next year,” is kind of the theme.

 

Personally, I think if the Bills get annihilated in the Super Bowl like that in 2025, there will be figurative blood in the streets. It will not be “aw shucks, we will be back.”  That’s just my opinion based on my experiences.

 

 

Sure, pick Chiefs fans who win it about every other year. Of course it means less to them. I get the absence of getting ONE stings, but I can live with it. 

 

I enjoy each season for what it is. It’s entertainment, and I have zero control over the outcome. I want a SB as much as anyone (believe it or not) but I’m not so emotionally invested that I get furious at the FO or players when they come up short.

 

We have people here who feel that if you don’t win the SB, it was a wasted season. Did you not have a good time watching the games? Getting prepped for the draft? Did you have fun with family and friends watching and discussing the Bills? I enjoyed all of that, and if we don’t win the SB my soul is not stripped of those good times. 

 

It’s not that I don’t care, it’s that I know what I can and cannot control. Sure, I want a Lombardi Trophy, but the season wasn’t a waste if we don’t get one. I know, that’s blasphemy to some here, but life needs some balance in my mind. I think I used to be more extreme in wanting a SB, but I see that can get in the way of people (here, especially) fully enjoying the experience. Enjoy the ride, and hope it ends at the pinnacle. Either way, life goes on. 

 

Is there a prize for least popular take?  😂 

 

 

.

Edited July 11 by Augie

[bigduke6]

id rather have a very good offensive line than one overpaid RB.   i like Cook,  im not sacrificing any other position to sign him for what he thinks hes worth.  was it Cook that was so great last season,  or was it the offensive line,  or was it both?  probably both,  but, if one suffers because of the other,  then nobody is great.  ive seen it far too often where a RB has an amazing season,  either goes to another team,  or the team resigns him has to cut other places,  and amazing RB doesnt look so amazing the next season.  this is what worries me here.   nothing against James,  hes doing what he has to for his future,  no problem with that.  he deserves a raise for sure,  hes earned it,  nobody is bigger than the team though,  cept Josh,  and hes not that kind of guy,  thankfully.

Edited July 11 by bigduke6

[HOUSE]

Somebody asked me this same question way back in April. 

Now that same question is asked of me everyday , probably tomorrow too.  

 

Edited July 11 by HOUSE

[3rdand12]

5 hours ago, Jauronimo said:

 

I think Mr. Cook needs to pull himself up by the boot straps and be his own boss.  I would tell Mr. Cook to print out 20 copies of his resume on hard stock and talk to every hiring manager in town.  You'd be surprised how far a little but of gumption, a firm hand shake, and direct eye contact can take you.  And another thing, sit up straight and never slouch Senor Cook.  And it would it kill you to eat your vegetables or call your mother a little more often Cook San?  And give it a break with the video games, they'll rot your brain Herr Cook!  Oh, I think our Mr. Cook is gonna be alright.

 

But thats not important right now.  The important part is that I tied an onion to my belt, as was the style at the time....

I saw this whole thing unfurled in black and white video. Nice
The suspense continues ... dum dum dum...

Edited July 11 by 3rdand12

[hjnick]

If Cook wants an avg 15MIl/yr... fine.

 

5 years = 75MIl. -> 40Mil guaranteed signing bonus

 

10, 10, 10, 10, 35 (signing bonus rolled in w/ these numbers)

 

Basically a 4 year deal. 

[BuffaloBillyG]

I'm watching to see what the Rams end up giving Kyran Williams. I think that's a sensible floor for what Cook can expect. Production wise the two aren't far off from each other. And while I believe Cook is a bit better than Williams, I would place him closer to Williams than I would Henry or Barkley. 

Edited July 14 by BuffaloBillyG

[SoonerBillsFan]

On 7/11/2025 at 9:14 AM, Mister Defense said:

 

Yup to all.  Will happen and very very soon, and will be great to see the Cook haters' reactions.

 

Such an obvious thing, and then a bizarre, flat out dumb, OPost like this, with a load of crap--'stop complaining'--what is an example of Cook complaining in the recent months or weeks?--be a TEAM player--when all indications are he is a consummate team player,  respected and loved by his teammates and coaches.

 

Etcetera

 

OP: So listen to all my uninformed and ignorant 'thoughts" and get out there and do these things/don't do these things and have a huuuge year--then maybe the Bills pay you well. If not, well nice knowing you.  An injury this year, in your last year of your contract, one that changes the trajectory of your career, maybe ends it? Too bad for you.

 

What an awful OP, filled with things, of course!, that are just nonsense-- and loaded with ignorant arrogance.  Cringeworthy crap.

 

 

 

Bolded part sums it up

I feel optics is now an issue. Cook has pulled the Social Media card and Beane quit negotiating (supposedly).  I don't see how Beane can give cook what he wants and not have a big issue going forward with contracts.  The other side is Beane, and the Org. can say No and let him play it out to show those coming up on Contracts what NOT to do, to get paid.

 

Beane alluded to the fact that those who wanted to negotiate got paid. Also, none of them pulled this Social media Scrub BS. I feel Cook screwed up in how he handled it and has painted himself in a corner he didn't intend to be in. Whomever has been advising him are idiots IMHO.

[Dillenger4]

31 minutes ago, SoonerBillsFan said:

Bolded part sums it up

I feel optics is now an issue. Cook has pulled the Social Media card and Beane quit negotiating (supposedly).  I don't see how Beane can give cook what he wants and not have a big issue going forward with contracts.  The other side is Beane, and the Org. can say No and let him play it out to show those coming up on Contracts what NOT to do, to get paid.

 

Beane alluded to the fact that those who wanted to negotiate got paid. Also, none of them pulled this Social media Scrub BS. I feel Cook screwed up in how he handled it and has painted himself in a corner he didn't intend to be in. Whomever has been advising him are idiots IMHO.

This here is literal made up crap. Where/what has Cook done online in social media that is "scrub BS"? His brother posted something about $$$... but what else?

The people that are advising him know exactly what they are doing and they make a lot of money doing it. Hands down.

James Cook is electric. He helped us beat the Ravens in the playoffs more than any other player. Go watch it again. I did, NFL network played it a few days ago actually. Cook was awesome. Even Romo and Nantz were all "this guy is the real deal" (paraphrase).

Not beating down on you Sooner, but the "Cook online BS" is just wrong.

That's part of the game these days.

Pay James. we win.

Don't... we are in trouble more than you think.

[NewEra]

On 7/11/2025 at 8:48 AM, DrDawkinstein said:

 

Yes. We lived through 20 lousy years with nothing to show for it already. Folks older than me lived through 10-20 lousy years before that as well, again with nothing to show for it. We had great years... with nothing to show for it.

 

At this point, the monkey on our back is a SB win. That is the relief valve for build up of 30-40 lousy seasons.

 

The Jets SB was 60 years ago. Not 5. 

 

Worked for the Rams. Buccaneer fans arent hurting.

 

And we'll never be really lousy as long as we have Josh. And even as a McD critic, we'd never go under .500 with him around either. But if that was the monkey paw trade offer, I'll take 5 lousy years if it meant 1 Lombardi. I'd be shocked if most Bills fans dont feel the same way.

 

On 7/11/2025 at 9:01 AM, Augie said:

 

That’s fine, but I don’t think the Rams or Bucs fans go in to this year feeling any better about things. Something that happened in the past will not have any impact on how much I enjoy next season. I guess we are just different that way, and that’s just fine. 

 

I know I’m probably in a small minority here on this topic, but I prefer looking forward rather than backward.  

 

Now, if we could just start playing some football again…but I want to enjoy summer first. 

 

EDIT: As far as nothing to show for it, I don’t see it that way at all. Even decades ago, I got a LOT out of those seasons. Not always a lot of playoff success or SBs, but I enjoyed the ride and the time with family and friends commiserating on our ride. I’ve had a lot of great Bills experiences, even during the down years. Sure, winning is more fun, but I don’t need a trophy to have enjoyed the games. 

 

.

Tough question.  

I would take the 1 SB and 5 bad seasons if I knew we weren’t going to win a SB in those 6 seasons if i chose the alternative It’s 17’s prime.  

 

But knowing that we have 17, I’m also torn.  I wouldn’t want to see him have 5 bad seasons and I also feel that he could be good for multiple Lombardis.   
 

@Augie I too feel that the journey is the most exciting part of the season.  We don’t have any lombardi’s to show for the last 5 seasons, but I had a blast.  Then again, I also had a blast watching every season during the drought, when I was just hoping to watch players progress and their careers unfold

Edited July 14 by NewEra