‘Bills head coach Sean McDermott and general manager Brandon Beane both were in Carolina when the Panthers selected Thompson in the first round of the 2015 NFL draft.’
BillsBeat - June 11, 2025
Drama surrounding James Cook on pause as running back shows up for Bills minicamp
‘“I like my money. That’s why I’m here,” Cook said following practice.’
Bills expand their Carolina connection, sign former first-round pick
‘Thompson was Carolina’s first-round pick in the 2015 draft, No. 25 overall, and beginning in his rookie season he was a starter for eight consecutive seasons, surpassing 100 tackles in the last four. But then his career was derailed by injuries as he suffered a broken leg in 2023 and a torn Achilles in 2024, and he has played just six games combined in those seasons.’
Bills’ James Cook is at mandatory minicamp: What does it mean?
‘“I credit James,” McDermott said. “Business is business at the end of the day. I know he loves being around this team. I respect his decision to be here and be amongst the team and get some work in today.”’
Buffalo Bills minicamp Day 1: Josh Allen working to get in sync with new receivers
‘“Just to get loose, get back to throwing some footballs and getting on the same page with some guys,” Allen said after practice on Tuesday. “There’s a few mistakes out there (in practice on Tuesday), but that’s to be expected. Just learning some new concepts that we’re putting in and understanding different body types and guys we’re throwing to.”’
Buffalo Bills add veteran LB with Carolina Panthers connection
‘On Tuesday, the team announced that they had signed linebacker Shaq Thompson, a player very familiar with McDermott and Beane. Thompson, 31, entered the league as a first-round pick of the Panthers in 2015. At that time, McDermott served as Carolina’s defensive coordinator while Beane was assistant general manager of the franchise.’
Allen, Cook present, several others non-participants at Day 1 of Bills mandatory minicamp
‘After missing last week’s voluntary Organized Team Activities, quarterback Josh Allen returned to Bills practice for Day 1 of mandatory minicamp on Tuesday. Running back James Cook was also in attendance, ending an extended period in which he was away from the team as he and the Bills worked through an apparent contract dispute.’
James Cook avoids fines, reports to minicamp while contract dispute with Bills lingers
‘James Cook likes his money. Who doesn’t?’
Shaq Thompson looks to end his career healthy as the latest Panther to join the Bills
‘Just when it seemed there were no more players left to sign from McDermott’s Carolina days, the Buffalo Bills found another one.’
Longtime Carolina Panthers LB Shaq Thompson agrees to deal with new team
‘Thompson, who turned 31 in April, was a longtime leader of the Panthers’ locker room, known for his energy, quickness and outspoken nature. The University of Washington alum produced 752 tackles (54 for loss), 12 sacks, 26 pass breakups, three interceptions and four forced fumbles during his time with the Panthers.’
Buffalo Bills RB James Cook in attendance for team’s mandatory practice amid contract concerns
‘Wearing his familiar No. 4, Cook took the field in fully taking part in practice and, for now, putting aside the concerns in his offseason pursuit of a contract extension. The NFL’s co-leader last season with 16 touchdowns rushing is entering the fourth and final year of his rookie contract.’
Bills quarterback Josh Allen shows off new ring following marriage to actor Hailee Steinfeld
‘“We’re back to football,” he said, before pointing to his ring finger. “Got some hardware now. So, good to go.”’
Bills sign former Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson, coming off 2 injury-shortened seasons
‘The 31-year-old Thompson was not re-signed by Carolina in March after spending his first 10 seasons with the Panthers. He joins the Bills, where he’s reunited with coach Sean McDermott, who was Carolina’s defensive coordinator during Thompson’s first two seasons with the team after being selected in the first round of the 2015 draft.’
James Cook praised by Sean McDermott for attending Bills minicamp
‘”I mean, why not [participate],” Cook said. “I’m here, I’m part of the team and just not practicing, I’m a leader, so just got to practice.”‘
James Cook attends Bills mandatory minicamp amid contract dispute: 'I like my money ... That's why I'm here'
‘Cook, whose 16 rushing touchdowns during the regular season tied him with Derrick Henry and Jahmyr Gibbs for the most in the league, is entering the final year of his rookie contract in 2025 and has hinted on his Instagram account that he is seeking $15 million per year in a new deal.’