Cook Skips, Cousins Ghosts and Pitts Disappears on Day 1 of OTAs

Three notable absences marked the first day of OTAs: James Cook in Buffalo, and Kirk Cousins and Kyle Pitts in Atlanta. Cook and Pitts could be lobbying for new deals, while Cousins is likely nudging the Falcons toward a possible trade.

Cook’s absence from voluntary OTAs wasn’t unexpected. He’s entering the final year of his rookie deal and has made it publicly known he’s seeking a new contract in the range of $15 million per year. Cook was one of the league’s most explosive runners in 2024 with 14 runs of 15-plus yards. That ranked eighth in the league. He also tied for the league lead in rushing touchdowns (16) and topped 1,000 rushing yards for the second-straight season.

There’s no doubt Cook is a foundational piece of the Bills offense, but it’s worth noting he’s heading into his age-26 season. Head coach Sean McDermott downplayed the absence, saying, “James will be here when he’s ready to be here.”

In Atlanta, the drama appears to be escalating. Kirk Cousins was a no-show for Day 1 of OTAs. The Falcons have reportedly been shopping the 36-year-old quarterback. His contract includes a no-trade clause, but with $40 million counting against the cap and $27.5 million owed in 2025, the team may seek a post-June 1 trade to maximize relief. Reports suggest the Falcons want a new team to absorb $20 million of his remaining $37.5 million in guarantees, though GM Terry Fontenot has denied a specific figure is on the table.

Cousins finished as QB27 in points per game last season. While he got off to a good start in 2025, including a 500-yard performance in Week 5, he cooled down the stretch and failed to deliver a top-12 fantasy finish in any of his final five starts. During that span, Cousins managed just one passing touchdown while tossing a hefty nine interceptions. It will likely be tough for the Falcons to find a trade partner, but the Steelers have been a rumored long-shot destination.

Kyle Pitts also skipped the first day of OTAs, raising questions about his contract status. Pitts is playing on the fifth-year option of his rookie deal and is set to earn $10.878 million in 2025. After a record-setting rookie season in which he posted 1,026 yards, Pitts has failed to recapture that form. He hasn’t reached 100 receiving yards in a game since 2021 and is coming off a 2024 season where he caught just 47 balls.

Still, Pitts ranked third among tight ends in air yards share (25.5%) and finished tied for fifth at the position in targets of 20-plus air yards. His six end zone targets tied with Jonnu Smith for the 12th-most among tight ends.

While Pitts certainly doesn’t have the fantasy draft clout he once did, he still offers a high ceiling in the late rounds of 2025 fantasy drafts. Sure, some will hold a fantasy grudge against him, but he’s basically free this year. The worst thing that could happen is you draft him in the late rounds and cut him a few weeks into the season.

None of these OTA absences is guaranteed to evolve into training camp drama, but all three players enter the summer with uncertainty. Cook has played like one of the league’s most dynamic backs and may have the strongest case for an extension. Pitts remains a talented but underutilized weapon. Meanwhile, Cousins is an albatross of a contract that Atlanta almost certainly regrets.