ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Eight days after James Cook started a hold-in amid his contract dispute with the Buffalo Bills -- the first such action during general manager Brandon Beane's tenure -- Cook was simply out on the field with his teammates, in uniform.
Just before his first snap back, coach Sean McDermott gave Cook a fist bump. Cook went on to participate in both individual and team drills, as he normally would. Cameras and eyes followed his every move.
Later that night, around 11 p.m., his four-year extension was done. It was signed the next morning as Cook, a man of few words, began to get emotional as he put his signature on the contract.