This offseason, the Buffalo Bills have placed a strong focus on self-care. While free agency is meant to entice and sign new players, it is also used to lock down current players to new contracts, and Bills general manager Brandon Beane has been busier than most.
Gregory Rousseau, Christian Benford, Terrel Bernard, and Khalil Shakir all received four-year extensions. And, as it turns out, the length of the contracts is no coincidence; Beane sought to demonstrate the franchise’s commitment to its players.
“We believe in them, and we want them to be here and we want them to know that,” Beane told reporters. “If we’re going to commit, let’s commit here for a considerable time.” With Josh Allen’s deal, the Bills have committed to these five guys as the franchise’s driving force for the next four years.
Of course, the big elephant in the room is running back James Cook, who has been open about his desire for a new contract, but he has watched a number of players secure their futures instead. However, Beane stated that just because Cook isn’t done now does not mean he won’t be next year. “Just because we don’t have James signed today doesn’t mean next year we can’t get him done before he gets to free agency,” Beane told reporters.
With an emphasis on signing the core group of leaders, it remains to be seen whether Cook fits in, and at $15 million APY, it is a significant choice for the club. The Bills have proved their devotion to the four players listed above, as well as Allen, but will they do the same for Cook?
