‘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.’
BillsBeat - June 11, 2025
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.’
Longtime Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson signs one-year deal with Bills
‘Thompson had over 100 combined tackles in four straight seasons from 2019 to 2022, including a career-high 135 in 2022. However, a pair of season-ending injuries brought Thompson’s Panthers career to an unceremonious end, first breaking his fibula in Week 2 of the 2023 season and then tearing his Achilles in Week 4 of 2024. Thompson was released by the Panthers in February.’
Josh Allen Had Sweet Line About Getting Married to Hailee Steinfeld
‘Allen was asked Tuesday what these all have meant to him, to which he replied, “They’ve all been big, none other than marrying my best friend. She makes everything easier. I don’t really focus on the other stuff. That was the most important decision I’ll make in my life, and I made the right one.”‘
James Cook Has Blunt Reason for Showing Up to Bills Camp Amid Contract Dispute
‘Cook would’ve been fined $17,462 if he would’ve missed Day 1 of minicamp, and he could’ve been fined up to $104,768 if he missed the whole week. Cook didn’t want to lose money while waiting for his contract.’
Bills Provide News Updates on Star Running Back, Newly Signed Linebacker
‘First, he indicated via Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network that running back James Cook is at the team’s mandatory minicamp despite his desire for a new deal. Then, McDermott said that linebacker Shaq Thompson will be limited in minicamp after signing with the Bills Tuesday.’
Bills disgruntled Pro Bowl star surprises everyone, shows up at mandatory mini-camp
‘The Bills paid several other stars this offseason, including Khalil Shakir, Greg Rousseau, Christian Benford, Terrel Bernard, and Josh Allen, leaving Cook as the odd man out. He didn’t attend OTAs and many wondered if he would be at mandatory mini-camp. According to Adam Schefter, we have the answer.’
James Cook gives blunt four-word answer for why he joined Bills at mini-camp
‘The Bills’ star running back made it known he wants $15 million per year during an Instagram live earlier this offseason. General manager Brandon Beane said at the NFL owners meetings that conversations on a Cook extension were shelved. The NFL’s leader in rushing touchdowns didn’t attend OTAs, but did show up for mandatory mini-camp. When asked why he joined his Bills teammates, Cook was very blunt.’
Bills sign former 1st-round pick to help Sean McDermott’s defense
‘Thompson entered the NFL in 2015 as a first-round pick by the Carolina Panthers.’
Breaking: Buffalo Bills sign 12 sack star ahead of mandatory mini-camp
‘The Bills have agreed to terms on a one-year contract with former Carolina Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson, the team announced. Thompson played for Sean McDermott in Carolina at the very beginning of his career while McDermott was the defensive coordinator in Carolina before taking the head coaching job with the Bills.’
James Cook is in Buffalo for mandatory minicamp
‘According to Bills head coach Sean McDermott, the fourth-year running back is in Western New York this week, and will practice with his teammates over the three-day period.’