ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Buffalo Bills running back James Cook was to the point, as he normally is, when explaining his decision to attend the team's mandatory minicamp.
"I like my money. Definitely do," Cook said. "So, that's why I'm here."
Cook was a full participant in practice on the first day of mandatory minicamp despite seeking a contract extension as he enters the final year of his rookie deal.
"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."
The running back did not take part in the team's voluntary sessions during the offseason but said he has been working out.
"I credit James," McDermott said before Tuesday's practice. "Business is business. At the end of the day, I know he loves being around this team and the guys in the locker room and he loves to play football.
"So, I respect his decision to be here and be amongst the team and get some work in today, and we're looking forward to that."
Quarterback Josh Allen also said after practice that he is "very, very proud" that Cook is participating, something other players might not to do. "I love [Cook]. I think the whole team does," Allen said. "He's one of the best backs in the league and hopefully that can be reflected soon."
The Bills rewarded three other members of the 2022 draft class with four-year extensions -- wide receiver Khalil Shakir, linebacker Terrel Bernard and cornerback Christian Benford. The Bills had conversations with Cook's team, but ultimately the two sides were not close to a deal.
"We're just taking it one day at a time," said McDermott, who added that he is planning on Cook also being at training camp on time. "I mean, we've all been around this league a long time and everyone has their own situations. They're all different.
"So, I think again, we need everybody to win, and we need everybody to practice, and so we expect James to be there and be there on time but also understand his situation." After practice, Cook confirmed his intent to be at training camp with the Bills.
"Yeah, it's my team and in order to win the Super Bowl, to compete for a Super Bowl and have a winning the season, have to be out there and be out there with my teammates," Cook said. When later clarified if he'll participate in training camp, Cook said that he didn't know and to see when camp comes.
Cook is coming off his best year, tying a franchise record with 16 rushing touchdowns, which also tied for the NFL lead. The other three players with at least 15 rushing touchdowns last season -- Derrick Henry, Jahmyr Gibbs, Josh Jacobs -- rank among the top 25 running backs in average annual pay, with two of them -- Henry and Jacobs -- in the top six.
Cook's 2,638 career rushing yards are the most among players from the 2022 draft class.
Cook has publicly shared his desire for a new contract, including going live on Instagram and pinning "15 mill [per] year." The running back said that making his desire for a new contract known was not a strategy, but just something he did and that has there been great communication with McDermott and general manager Brandon Beane. He added on Tuesday that he believes running backs should be valued more for the many things they do on the field.
As far as his relationship with the Bills, Cook said that "everything is business" and that there are no hard feelings.
"I don't look at it [as a distraction]," Cook said. "I just be where my feet are every day and just want to play football. That's what I'm here to do."