When Bills running back James Cook talks, fantasy football managers listen closely, especially when he’s talking about contract extensions. This offseason, Cook hasn’t been shy about letting the world know he’s after a new deal that would pay him a hefty $15 million annually.

For those strategizing in fantasy leagues, this raises some interesting questions. With Cook potentially a holdout candidate, what does that mean for his 2025 dynasty outlook?

In 2023, Cook had a breakout season, amassing an impressive 1,567 yards from scrimmage. However, he only hit the end zone six times, leaving fantasy owners wanting more.

Fast forward to 2024, and while his yardage took a dip to 1,267, he ramped up his scoring, finding the end zone a whopping 18 times. This uptick in touchdowns tied him for second among non-quarterbacks in the league.

For fantasy players, that’s the magic combo—volume and scoring.

The 25-year-old Miami native ranked seventh among running backs in fantasy scoring for standard leagues and eighth in PPR leagues in 2024. But it’s not just the numbers that impress; Cook’s stats have depth. He racked up 4.9 yards per carry, landing him sixth among qualified rushers, and earned an 82.3 overall grade from the folks at Pro Football Focus.

Between his prowess on the field and age, Cook looks like a fantasy gem. As part of the high-powered Bills offensive machine, he’s poised to deliver for fantasy managers for several seasons to come. But here’s the hiccup: his unsettled contract situation adds a layer of risk.

Currently, Cook is the 11th-ranked running back and the 37th overall player in dynasty leagues, according to KeepTradeCut. His stock hasn’t dipped much despite contract uncertainties, with only a slight decline of 22 points out of a possible 9999.

Here comes the tricky part for fantasy managers: managing a player in the midst of contract negotiations. Running backs tend to have shorter shelf lives, so any potential issues, such as a holdout, could be a headache for owners. On the bright side, whether he stays in Buffalo or not, Cook, a product of the University of Georgia, is expected to remain a dynamic force in 2025.

Currently, the idea of a holdout is more a specter than a certainty. Cook is under contract for next season on a team-friendly $5.7 million salary.

So, if the Bills keep him at that rate, it would help a cap-strapped team. To really shake things up, Cook would have to use a holdout as leverage.

If we get to that point, his fantasy value will likely take a hit until the situation resolves.

For fantasy managers, if you’ve been contemplating trades, now might be the perfect time to act. Cook is coming off a major touchdown year, making him an attractive asset based solely on performance, not potential contract roadblocks. But remember, time is of the essence.

The Bills haven’t announced their offseason workout dates yet, but history shows they typically open OTAs in late May and start their mandatory minicamp in June. Should Cook be a no-show, the topic will catch fire, denting his trade value significantly. With about two months to maneuver, trading him while his value remains strong could be wise.

However, if someone is ready to trade for Cook at or near his full value after his stellar 18-touchdown season, it might be a good opportunity to cash in. You’d spare yourself from any offseason anxiety about his playing status. But make no mistake, Cook’s talent is undeniable, and if no trade materializes, he’s still likely to deliver top-tier numbers next season—assuming the holdout storm doesn’t actually take the field.