Buffalo Bills The offseason begins

[NotABadPeriod]

22.8M per, just sayin'

Some of that cap hit would stay with Tennessee though. I believe (without restructuring) Simmons would carry an 18M cap hit if the Bills trade for him now.

 

[ValJamesDuex]

Sources: Bengals Plan to Use Non-Exclusive Franchise Tag on Tee Higgins for Second-Straight Year

The 26-year-old played on the tag last year. This time feels different.

www.si.com

The free agents, cut candidates and potential trades that could make for a wild WR offseason

There are several veteran wideouts available this offseason who could put a contender over the top. Here's how 17 could make an impact.

www.espn.com

 

[Jim Bob]

Franchise tag according to OTC is projected to be 13.6M for this year, so it'll probably tick up a little higher next year. I think that's a little too rich for my liking anyways.

Let Cook walk in FA and then grab the comp pick for him.

That would be the most likely outcome as long as Cook doesn't force things by threatening to hold out and then Beane responds by trading him.

2025 NFL Mock Drafts: All of PFF's mock drafts in one place

This page will be a home base for PFF’s 2025 NFL mock drafts, which include analysis of individual draft prospects, trade scenarios and NFL team needs.

www.pff.com

PFF's Mock Draft Simulator: Most-picked 2025 NFL Draft prospects for every team

To get a sense of where each franchise might be leaning, we turned to the PFF Mock Draft Simulator to identify the most popular selections among fanbases.

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Buffalo Bills: ​

Tyleik Williams​

DI

Williams brings a compact, powerful frame that allows him to play both nose tackle and 3-tech. His explosive first step helps him shoot gaps and generate power, while his improved hand speed and technique in 2024 make him an even more disruptive interior presence.

 

[Dirty Dog]

I’m not a huge “pay the RB” type guy. But the distinction between 13 and 15 million is nothing. If you’re willing to pay a RB 12 or 13 million, you should be willing to pay him 15 million. The question is if you’re willing to pay him at all or not.

That 2 to 3 million dollar difference between 12/13 and 15 million in 2026 is going to be like half a percent of the salary cap. That’s not the issue. If it’s you want to spend about five percent of the cap on a RB

 

[Jim Bob]

I’m not a huge “pay the RB” type guy. But the distinction between 13 and 15 million is nothing. If you’re willing to pay a RB 12 or 13 million, you should be willing to pay him 15 million. The question is if you’re willing to pay him at all or not.

That 2 to 3 million dollar difference between 12/13 and 15 million in 2026 is going to be like half a percent of the salary cap. That’s not the issue. If it’s you want to spend about five percent of the cap on a RB

$9-10M per is the top end for me in general.

There is a way to structure a 3-4 year deal that has $60M in totals, but without a huge signing bonus and guarantees, it could be a way to give him a contract that looks good in a tweet and is still team friendly.

That is the only way I see Beane extending him.

 

[TehDoak]

I'm curious to see how drawn out the Cook situation gets. I imagine that they want to get it resolved before the signing period.

 

[Jim Bob]

PFF projects an absolute dream scenario for Bills in latest mock draft

Bills get DL reinforcements

www.buffalorumblings.com

My reaction to the idea of the Bills getting an impact DT like Grant:

Thank you, sir! May I have another?

 

[Jim Bob]

I'm curious to see how drawn out the Cook situation gets. I imagine that they want to get it resolved before the signing period.

I doubt this gets sorted out that quickly.

In all likelihood, Cook is probably down the priority order for the Bills with respect to the 8 offensive and defensive starters that are entering the final years of their current deals in 2025 and will be set to become UFAs in 2026. But, Cook may be trying to agitate himself to the front of that line ahead of guys like Shakir, McGovern, Benford, and Bernard.

 

[TehDoak]

I doubt this gets sorted out that quickly.

In all likelihood, Cook is probably down the priority order for the Bills with respect to the 8 offensive and defensive starters that are entering the final years of their current deals in 2025 and will be set to become UFAs in 2026. But, Cook may be trying to agitate himself to the front of that line ahead of guys like Shakir, McGovern, Benford, and Bernard.

It SHOULD be relatively simple:

"Hey Jimbo, do you want more money now or do you want to hit the market next year and maybe get more money"

if he's willing to go to market and risk a down year next year (or injury). Or he can take guaranteed money now and take a haircut on his market rate.

 

[Jim Bob]

It SHOULD be relatively simple:

"Hey Jimbo, do you want more money now or do you want to hit the market next year and maybe get more money"

if he's willing to go to market and risk a down year next year (or injury). Or he can take guaranteed money now and take a haircut on his market rate.

It won't be simple if he wants a new deal immediately that averages $15M per year along with a large signing bonus and a large amount of guarantees and he threatens to hold out of training camp if the Bills do not meet his contract demands.

 

[Selanne00008]

I'd probably use and abuse Cook before trading him, unless he refuses to play. Cook for 1 year + Comp pick is almost certainly worth more than whatever the trade comp is

Seems like a pragmatic approach to me and I think you are right. Only caviet would be adding in the drama (scrubbing social media, possible TC hold out or hold in, then could get injured if not in shape). Just something to think on.

I know some others have been traded and it's likely a 4th or 5th but, Cook played very well, is still young, and hasn't had any injury concerns.

 

[Der Jaeger]

That would be the most likely outcome as long as Cook doesn't force things by threatening to hold out and then Beane responds by trading him.

2025 NFL Mock Drafts: All of PFF's mock drafts in one place

This page will be a home base for PFF’s 2025 NFL mock drafts, which include analysis of individual draft prospects, trade scenarios and NFL team needs.

www.pff.com

PFF's Mock Draft Simulator: Most-picked 2025 NFL Draft prospects for every team

To get a sense of where each franchise might be leaning, we turned to the PFF Mock Draft Simulator to identify the most popular selections among fanbases.

www.pff.com

Grant would be ideal because of his ability to stack double team blocks.

Tyleik Williams reminds me of a young Pat Williams.

 

[TehDoak]

It won't be simple if he wants a new deal immediately that averages $15M per year along with a large signing bonus and a large amount of guarantees and he threatens to hold out of training camp if the Bills do not meet his contract demands.

It's what, 40k a day holdout for someone who has made just over 4M (before taxes/agent fees) is actually pretty severe. A two week holdout would be almost half a million in fines.

The bills still have pretty good control here. What they don't want is a big distraction. They paid 32M in dead cap to get rid of Diggs problems. Curious to see how they handle this.

 

[Jim Bob]

It's what, 40k a day holdout for someone who has made just over 4M (before taxes/agent fees) is actually pretty severe. A two week holdout would be almost half a million in fines.

The bills still have pretty good control here. What they don't want is a big distraction. They paid 32M in dead cap to get rid of Diggs problems. Curious to see how they handle this.

I don't think Cook will actually hold out from mandatory OTAs and camp.

But, I could see him threatening it in an attempt to get Beane to do something sooner rather than later.

If I were Beane, I would call Cook's bluff and just say that if he wants a big payday, it would be in his best interest to go hard throughout the offseason and ball out in 2025.

 

[Jim Bob]

Tape > RAS

 

[TehDoak]

I don't think Cook will actually hold out from mandatory OTAs and camp.

But, I could see him threatening it in an attempt to get Beane to do something sooner rather than later.

If I were Beane, I would call Cook's bluff and just say that if he wants a big payday, it would be in his best interest to go hard throughout the offseason and ball out in 2025.

The issue is, Cook is the legit best RB we've had and the prices (and importance) of Running backs are going up. It might be more cost beneficial to try to get something done with Cook and refocus draft capital elsewhere rather than constantly cycling through running backs.

Also...I really don't understand what Cincy is doing. They are much better off trying to get away from the 2 WR/QB system. Show me a championship team that uses such a high % of cap on two WRs and a QB that is successful beyond the regular season. Their offensive and defensive lines are meh and their overall defense isn't great.

Last thing I'd do after finishing 9-8 is 'run it back'

 

[Jim Bob]

The issue is, Cook is the legit best RB we've had and the prices (and importance) of Running backs are going up. It might be more cost beneficial to try to get something done with Cook and refocus draft capital elsewhere rather than constantly cycling through running backs.

Also...I really don't understand what Cincy is doing. They are much better off trying to get away from the 2 WR/QB system. Show me a championship team that uses such a high % of cap on two WRs and a QB that is successful beyond the regular season. Their offensive and defensive lines are meh and their overall defense isn't great.

Last thing I'd do after finishing 9-8 is 'run it back'

The prices and importance of RBs is not going up when compared to most other positions. Just look at the difference in franchise tag numbers.

Franchise, Transition and RFA Tenders | Over the Cap

Franchise, Transition and RFA Tenders | Over the Cap

overthecap.com

The RB tags are the second lowest of any position and only above STs guys.

And while Cook's highlight reel and TD numbers popped in 2024, that doesn't tell the whole story.

He played less than 50% of the Bills offensive snaps and he saw his snap% and touches drop from 2023 to 2024.

I can see him getting extended if he signs to a much more team friendly deal than his $15M per social media shenanigans (and especially his brother's $20M per takes) suggest he is lobbying for. Especially with this year's draft class being touted as RB heavy and almost like two full RB classes in one.

 

[Fezzy126]

The prices and importance of RBs is not going up when compared to most other positions. Just look at the difference in franchise tag numbers.

Franchise, Transition and RFA Tenders | Over the Cap

Franchise, Transition and RFA Tenders | Over the Cap

overthecap.com

The RB tags are the second lowest of any position and only above STs guys.

And while Cook's highlight reel and TD numbers popped in 2024, that doesn't tell the whole story.

He played less than 50% of the Bills offensive snaps and he saw his snap% and touches drop from 2023 to 2024.

I can see him getting extended if he signs to a much more team friendly deal than his $15M per social media shenanigans (and especially his brother's $20M per takes) suggest he is lobbying for. Especially with this year's draft class being touted as RB heavy and almost like two full RB classes in one.

I'm torn because I really like the message it sends to the team (and players around the league) - say the right things, do the rights things, put your time in, work hard, and this franchise will take care of you.

On the other hand, strictly speaking from a roster building standpoint, I'd much rather keep drafting Day 3 rookie RBs every year, have low cost investment at the position, and get the minor comp pick when he leaves.

 

[Jim Bob]

I'm torn because I really like the message it sends to the team (and players around the league) - say the right things, do the rights things, put your time in, work hard, and this franchise will take care of you.

On the other hand, strictly speaking from a roster building standpoint, I'd much rather keep drafting Day 3 rookie RBs every year, have low cost investment at the position, and get the minor comp pick when he leaves.

The NFL is a limited resource environment regardless of how many times you hear people say the salary cap isn't real.

The Bills have roughly 8 starters that are entering the last year of their deals in 2025 and will be UFAs heading into the 2026 season. They cannot re-sign all 8 of them given the cap constraints they are operating under.

Personally, it is way easier to replace Cook compared to multiple others including Shakir, McGovern, and Benford. So, I have zero interest in giving Cook an extension which would be the 2nd biggest AAV for a RB in the NFL when he was outside the top 15 in carries and rushing yards in 2024.

 

[TehDoak]

The NFL is a limited resource environment regardless of how many times you hear people say the salary cap isn't real.

The Bills have roughly 8 starters that are entering the last year of their deals in 2025 and will be UFAs heading into the 2026 season. They cannot re-sign all 8 of them given the cap constraints they are operating under.

Personally, it is way easier to replace Cook compared to multiple others including Shakir, McGovern, and Benford. So, I have zero interest in giving Cook an extension which would be the 2nd biggest AAV for a RB in the NFL when he was outside the top 15 in carries and rushing yards in 2024.

So, I think you look at the extensions given out:

Chubba Hubbards contract, 4 years, 33.2M
Rhomndre Stevenson - 4 year, 36M

Cook has more yards and stats than both of them 3 years into his career. He is also younger.

Jonathan Taylor got a 3 year, 42M extension
Josh Jacobs signed a 4 year, 48M contract as a UFA
Saquon Signed a 3 year, 37M

I'd put Cook at a floor of around 10M per and a ceiling of 13M per (if he hits the open market)

I'd do 11M per on a 4 year deal (3 guaranteed) or a 3 year at 12M per with 2 years guaranteed. Higher AAV on the 3 year deal. More guarantees on the 4 year deal.

And the reason I am ok with doing this rather than just kicking the can down the road is....Josh Allen will be 29 this summer. We aren't going to find a better RB in 2026 than James Cook in the draft unless we are giving up premium pick to get them. Keep the talent in house when you can, use the picks to plug holes. Kick the salary cap can down the road. The window is rapidly closing on Josh as a mobile and MVP level QB.

There are times to be smart with assets (simply move on from Cook and pick up a day 3 RB again) and there are times to go all in and get as much talent as you can. Its time to get as much talent as you can.

 

[Ehran]

Felix Sandstrom granted leave to return to Sweden to deal with personal issue.

 

[Jim Bob]

So, I think you look at the extensions given out:

Chubba Hubbards contract, 4 years, 33.2M
Rhomndre Stevenson - 4 year, 36M

Cook has more yards and stats than both of them 3 years into his career. He is also younger.

Jonathan Taylor got a 3 year, 42M extension
Josh Jacobs signed a 4 year, 48M contract as a UFA
Saquon Signed a 3 year, 37M

I'd put Cook at a floor of around 10M per and a ceiling of 13M per (if he hits the open market)

I'd do 11M per on a 4 year deal (3 guaranteed) or a 3 year at 12M per with 2 years guaranteed. Higher AAV on the 3 year deal. More guarantees on the 4 year deal.

And the reason I am ok with doing this rather than just kicking the can down the road is....Josh Allen will be 29 this summer. We aren't going to find a better RB in 2026 than James Cook in the draft unless we are giving up premium pick to get them. Keep the talent in house when you can, use the picks to plug holes. Kick the salary cap can down the road. The window is rapidly closing on Josh as a mobile and MVP level QB.

There are times to be smart with assets (simply move on from Cook and pick up a day 3 RB again) and there are times to go all in and get as much talent as you can. Its time to get as much talent as you can.

I completely disagree with this take.

James Cook coming out of Georgia wasn't a lead RB and was a projection. You could get a guy that is on Cook's level on day 2 of this draft class.

Running Back Rankings 2025 NFL Draft

Running Back s prospect rankings for the 2025 NFL Draft. Breakdowns of the best Running Back prospects and averages of other scouting reports.

www.nfldraftbuzz.com

Only Jeanty is projected to be a 1st round pick.

There are probably a half-dozen RBs available in the 2nd round or later who would give the Bills a high quality RB room in 2026 with:

3rd year Ray Davis
2nd year 2025 draft pick
Low cost FA like Ty Johnson

Cam Skattebo Running Back Arizona State | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report

Rating: 83.8 Rank: #8 Forty: 4.62 Every few years, a back emerges from the depths of college football to force NFL evaluators to throw their traditional metrics out the window. Skattebo ...

www.nfldraftbuzz.com

Cam Skattebo might make it to day 3 and he's a rare 1500+500 dual threat back (only the 2nd time in Big 12 history).

And Skattebo is interesting in that he thrives on the same overlooked fuel that plenty of Bills have thrived on.

I have no problem if they sign Cook to a team friendly extension with not a lot of guaranteed money. But, if Cook wants a top 3 RB AAV AND a lot of guaranteed money, then hard pass for me.

 

[Der Jaeger]

I completely disagree with this take.

James Cook coming out of Georgia wasn't a lead RB and was a projection. You could get a guy that is on Cook's level on day 2 of this draft class.

Running Back Rankings 2025 NFL Draft

Running Back s prospect rankings for the 2025 NFL Draft. Breakdowns of the best Running Back prospects and averages of other scouting reports.

www.nfldraftbuzz.com

Only Jeanty is projected to be a 1st round pick.

There are probably a half-dozen RBs available in the 2nd round or later who would give the Bills a high quality RB room in 2026 with:

3rd year Ray Davis
2nd year 2025 draft pick
Low cost FA like Ty Johnson

Cam Skattebo Running Back Arizona State | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report

Rating: 83.8 Rank: #8 Forty: 4.62 Every few years, a back emerges from the depths of college football to force NFL evaluators to throw their traditional metrics out the window. Skattebo ...

www.nfldraftbuzz.com

Cam Skattebo might make it to day 3 and he's a rare 1500+500 dual threat back (only the 2nd time in Big 12 history).

And Skattebo is interesting in that he thrives on the same overlooked fuel that plenty of Bills have thrived on.

I have no problem if they sign Cook to a team friendly extension with not a lot of guaranteed money. But, if Cook wants a top 3 RB AAV AND a lot of guaranteed money, then hard pass for me.

If Beane drafts Skattebo, he would become second only to Allen in popularity in WNY.

Buffalo has really never had that Clydesdale runner some teams have had. Alstodt, Willis, Duckett, Bettis, Anderson type back. A big battering ram workhorse.

Skattebo isn’t a big as those runners but his running style is similar. He has a lot of brute force and ignorance to his game. That’d go well in Buffalo.

I’m not a huge fan of him lowering his helmet and making contact with is crown. Happens way too much and it’s a neck injury waiting to happen. He’s also got a diva streak to him, so Beane would end up with a similar situation in 4 years.

 

[Jim Bob]

If Beane drafts Skattebo, he would become second only to Allen in popularity in WNY.

Buffalo has really never had that Clydesdale runner some teams have had. Alstodt, Willis, Duckett, Bettis, Anderson type back. A big battering ram workhorse.

Skattebo isn’t a big as those runners but his running style is similar. He has a lot of brute force and ignorance to his game. That’d go well in Buffalo.

I’m not a huge fan of him lowering his helmet and making contact with is crown. Happens way too much and it’s a neck injury waiting to happen. He’s also got a diva streak to him, so Beane would end up with a similar situation in 4 years.

I don't think Beane would be too worried about turning and burning with RBs.

Some teams treat LBs in a similar manner.

If Cook forces his way out, Beane could opt for one of the three 2nd round impact RBs (Hampton, Johnson, and Henderson), too.

You have rotational home run threat RBs in Smith & James that could be there on day 3.

Bhayshul Tuten is another day 3 home run guy that is projected to run a 4.3 and change in the 40. And a lot of his pros and cons as a prospect sound very James Cook-esque.

 

[TehDoak]

I completely disagree with this take.

James Cook coming out of Georgia wasn't a lead RB and was a projection. You could get a guy that is on Cook's level on day 2 of this draft class.

On paper sure. But, Rookie RBs aren't always a slam dunk. Cook is a proven commodity that doesn't fumble, is a sure handed catcher, and can hit home runs.

Running Back Rankings 2025 NFL Draft

Running Back s prospect rankings for the 2025 NFL Draft. Breakdowns of the best Running Back prospects and averages of other scouting reports.

www.nfldraftbuzz.com

Only Jeanty is projected to be a 1st round pick.

There are probably a half-dozen RBs available in the 2nd round or later who would give the Bills a high quality RB room in 2026 with:

3rd year Ray Davis
2nd year 2025 draft pick
Low cost FA like Ty Johnson

Cam Skattebo Running Back Arizona State | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report

Rating: 83.8 Rank: #8 Forty: 4.62 Every few years, a back emerges from the depths of college football to force NFL evaluators to throw their traditional metrics out the window. Skattebo ...

www.nfldraftbuzz.com

Cam Skattebo might make it to day 3 and he's a rare 1500+500 dual threat back (only the 2nd time in Big 12 history).

And Skattebo is interesting in that he thrives on the same overlooked fuel that plenty of Bills have thrived on.

I have no problem if they sign Cook to a team friendly extension with not a lot of guaranteed money. But, if Cook wants a top 3 RB AAV AND a lot of guaranteed money, then hard pass for me.

I think most people agree that if Cook is going to be hard on the 15M/yr requirement, its a non starter. He isn't going to get that on a contender. A reasonable contract that keeps him during his peak years is certainly something worth exploring, though. Ray Davis is still a work in progress and (at least IMHO) has limited upside. I'm certainly leaning towards signing him vs just letting him play out his contract though, assuming he is willing to sign something at the lower end of market rate.