So how does this Cook's "hold-in" end gracefully (if there is no extension)?

[Ethan in Cleveland]

4 hours ago, DrDawkinstein said:

 

 

The players understand.

 

Especially the one guy who makes more in a single season than Cook's entire next contract will be worth. 

Exactly!  People calling him a distraction are completely misunderstanding of how the players really feel.  This is not a distraction at all.  They all want to get paid max value. 

[nosejob]

I just hope they sign him and get it over with. We need him  and 36 mil. GTD. over 3 yrs. is fair. Take it or leave it. IMO

[PoundingDog]

Well, Sal speaks more of my feel about Cook in this saga. Cook is likely torn between wanting to be a good teamate and getting his money following the advice of his brother and agent. Probably the reason for this unusual "hold-in" stance a week into the training camp, and back to practice today after a heart-to-heart talk with McDermott who probably explained the practice/on-field side of things for his overall own good (leading to more financial leverage). I don't know a contract is forthcoming, and that looks to be a consistent sentiment from all those covered the Bills today at practice. Many of them said they have no idea if Cook is sure to even practise tomorrow, though I would think it would create much worse problem for the coaching staff and fellow players if Cook decides to do that. Coaches and players all have practice plan, like who is in which personnel grouping and plays a specific role in each play; no one likes to have unexpected changes showing up at work.

 

 

[Brianmoorman4jesus]

There is a middle ground here. Give the dude some money and let’s go win a Super Bowl. He’s the 2nd best player on the offense. Whatever money it is, it’s not going to be that bad. Let’s go. Go win the thing and move on with your lives. Win a Super Bowl and no fan is going to complain about a contract for 20 years 

[DaVinci]

I think it's a done deal.Just dotting the I's and crossing the t's

 

[Ya Digg?]

1 hour ago, PoundingDog said:

Well, Sal speaks more of my feel about Cook in this saga. Cook is likely torn between wanting to be a good teamate and getting his money following the advice of his brother and agent. Probably the reason for this unusual "hold-in" stance a week into the training camp, and back to practice today after a heart-to-heart talk with McDermott who probably explained the practice/on-field side of things for his overall own good (leading to more financial leverage). I don't know a contract is forthcoming, and that looks to be a consistent sentiment from all those covered the Bills today at practice. Many of them said they have no idea if Cook is sure to even practise tomorrow, though I would think it would create much worse problem for the coaching staff and fellow players if Cook decides to do that. Coaches and players all have practice plan, like who is in which personnel grouping and plays a specific role in each play; no one likes to have unexpected changes showing up at work.

 

 

I don’t think this would do anything. Cook is a vet in a familiar system and there’s still several weeks until the first game. He’s sitting out of practice right now because it doesn’t have any bearing on how he In the team will play against Baltimore 

[Mister Defense]

11 hours ago, RochesterLifer said:

Honestly Mister Defense, I hope so also - at a price that fits the team’s plans. Go Bills!

 

Done!!

[PoundingDog]

10 hours ago, Ya Digg? said:

I don’t think this would do anything. Cook is a vet in a familiar system and there’s still several weeks until the first game. He’s sitting out of practice right now because it doesn’t have any bearing on how he In the team will play against Baltimore 

McDermott strikes me as one of the conservative, somewhat old fashioned coaches. He is not McVay type. He has progressed the last 8 years but you know he probably holds "no practice no play" type of philosophy to heart. Since the Bills never had a hold-out player in practice when McDermott as a HC, just like putting yourself in his position, I'd certain make my stance clear to Mr. Cook in terms of my standard for on field performance related practice habits. Note this is just one side of the job as HC in terms of managing players. There is another side of the job in terms of working with Beane on determining players like who are core, who are base, etc. which I think they have already worked out in the off-season