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A
Hey, maybe that's the way it plays out this year. And then somebody else or the Bills pays him more at a certain point, but we'll see. You're right. June mandatory camp. That's going to say a lot.
B
Do you think the Bills would ever franchise tag him? We'll start with this question from Robin.
A
So there's still a damn good defense. I have zero problem with them bringing this guy in.
B
All right, welcome back to the Buffalo plus channel, presented by Connors and Ferris. Mike Catalana. I am Jenna Cottrell. Dan Fates with a veteran day off, please be sure to, like, comment, subscribe and share. You know how much we appreciate it. Welcome to you ask, we answer. Presented by Stellar Roofing Windows and Siding. All right, Mike, we are at OR in Orchard park today. We were in the facility.
A
Yes.
B
For this one. All right. The Bill's first day of OTAS in terms of this month. And Bill, the first question we have is from @cabman02. He wants to know or they want to know the latest on James Cook.
A
He's not here. He wasn't there. How's that?
B
Yes. Yeah.
A
Not surprised. And honestly, Sean McDermot said it. And don't read too much into this. What do they say? Like, the aggregators take things and say he said it pretty matter of factly. Like, he just was like, yep, as far as attendance goes, it's, you know, race here, James is not here, blah, blah, blah. You know, like it was expected. It's voluntary. Before you make the comment, I know it's voluntary, but he wasn't there earlier. He hasn't been around.
B
Yeah, I think for me, it was like, how shocked would you be if James Cook wasn't there on the field for OTAs? I was like, zero percent. Like, I just think that this is the way things will play out with whatever contract negotiations are going on or conversations, really. Um, for me, it's like, the thing will be mandatory minicamp. Will he be in attendance June 10th through the 12th, and we'll get our answer soon enough. But I feel like this was kind of what I expected going into this, just because I don't think. I don't expect things to get ugly. But I think for James Cook, this is the way he wants to approach it, and every player has the right to approach it in the way that they want.
A
I thought Dion was great about it. I mean, he was like, listen, it's the NFL. And he made the point it's not mandatory and basically said like, everybody's got to do their Thing and it's about money for James and he has a right to do that. And he is going into the last year of his contract. This is the time players want the extension.
B
Yeah.
A
The question is, can they get it done? I don't think anything is going to happen. We've talked about this on this podcast before training camp even. I don't think it's going to happen before the season. I would be very surprised.
B
I would be too.
A
I just don't see that happening. I do think he'll be back. I think he's going to play. I think he's going to get through this season. I think he's, as I've said, he's going to play well. I just don't see at the moment. James doesn't have to come back in order to play. Like he's got one year left on the deal. I just, I just think it's going to play out and then he's going to to play elsewhere next year.
B
I agree. And I think from the player's point of view, he's like, hey, I had an incredible season last year. I mean the amount of touchdowns that he had, some of the plays that he made, the maturation of his game and where he is at. But then I think when you take a look at where the Bills are coming from, we've talked about how much do they value the running back position. You know, other teams like the Eagles per se are a team that obviously highly value Saquon Barkley and what he can do. The Bills this off season went out and game Ty Johnson, another deal like James Cook. I think for him it's like he has a value that he thinks he's at. I think for the Bills it is something different. So we'll see how it all does play out.
A
And the other thing I wanted to add, and Jenna's right, you know, different teams, different values. The Bills don't feel they need to have James Cook on the field for more snapshots.
B
Yeah, I agree with that.
A
They don't value what he does. Maybe. You know, you talk about them bringing back Ty Johnson, he's making a million bucks a year. It's not a huge contract, but they value what that is. So James Cook in the bills offense gets 40 some odd percent of the snaps. That's not going to get you massive numbers salary wise in the NFL. But I think James believes he can play more and be more. Hey, maybe that's the way it plays out this year. And then somebody else or the Bills pays him More at a certain point, but we'll see. You're right. June mandatory camp. That's going to say a lot.
B
Do you think the Bills would ever franchise tag them?
A
They don't like the tag.
B
I agree. Someone asked me that. I'm like, you know, they could use that option, but they just. Really. What was Cody Glenn?
A
Cody Glenn, yes.
B
The last time the Bills used it.
A
They, you know, there are a few high salaries on the franchise tag. I just don't. I just don't see them doing that.
B
I agree.
A
Yeah.
B
All right, this next question coming from at. Paul Smith, kxq. I'm so bad at Reading.
A
Say Paul Smith.
B
Paul Smith. When. Oh, that's my computer. When Knox is the highest paid skill position player outside of Allen. And we spent a first rounder on Kincaid coming into a pivotal year three. How much pressure is on the tight end, Drew?
A
Paul, you. You hit. You put it right in the strike zone there.
B
Yeah, that's a great question.
A
Yeah. Because Dawson Knox, great team guy. We have talked about this. But his cap hit is high. He has been paid more than his role. When they paid him, they believed his role was number one tight end. Then they drafted Kincaid. Big year for Kincaid. We've all talked about this.
B
You're talking about this year.
A
This year. Because at the end of this year, they make a decision on the fifth year option. And. Okay, do. Do we dive into. We saw Dalton Kincaid working out today.
B
What do you. What do you. We haven't discussed this, have we?
A
No, but we haven't seen him working out.
B
He had a very. He had a leg sleeve.
A
Yeah, I just meant leg sleeve.
B
Yeah, that sounded weird.
A
He's not.
B
He. Do you think he's lost weight?
A
I wouldn't say lost. I just would say he looks similar.
B
He does not look like he has gained a significant amount of muscle. I think that's fair to say.
A
And look, I think it's the way the guy is built. I really do. Now, I'm not saying. Listen, they have a. I'm not saying he doesn't work hard. I'm not saying he. I just think he's not physically built that way to all of a sudden.
B
Think he's not built different. What did Sean McDermott say? Sweat equity? Yeah, he talked about guys having sweat equity in the gym. But you're right. I think. I know what you're saying is, like some guys, it's a lot easier for them genetically to put on muscle. And maybe Dalton Kincaid is not like that. But when you had the whole off season and the talk of, hey, the coaching staff needs you to put on muscle to see him in May at OTAs looking similar.
A
And I can't believe they haven't been talking to him about this.
B
But like they, they must. Yeah, like they. I'm sure that's a. I did one.
A
Pilates class and I'm ripped now. So it was simple. Like that was.
B
They were doing a little bit of Pilates today.
A
That's right.
B
Look, I pointed too. Yeah, I pointed. But yeah, Pilates. Yeah, we'll see. But I, I think Paul Smith's question is a great one.
A
Yeah.
B
Because I think specifically there's a lot of pressure on Dalton Kincaid. I think Dawson Knox, we kind of know what to expect. And was the price tag a lot for him? When you look at his statistics and some of the plays he's made, yes. But I think for Dalton Kincaid being a first round pick, like you said, that fifth year option had a sophomore slump now supposed to be healthier, a big year ahead. We'll see how it all pans out. But I think a lot of pressure is on Kincaid because again, he was drafted as this guy that was supposed to be like a wide receiver and we just haven't seen that yet. That doesn't mean it doesn't happen. But you want this to be the year that it comes together.
A
And listen, we are saying this day one OTAs, there's a lot of time before the season goes. We're not saying he can't, we're just saying is not for long in the NFL. Like this is a Super bowl contending team. Guys got to be ready, got to step up. We want younger players to do that. These are the players, when you talk about draft, develop and resign, these are the moments when they make those decisions. These this season, that third year for a first round pick is huge.
B
Yeah.
A
So let's see.
B
All right, the next question coming from at EEL, 1378, what players are you most looking forward to seeing develop? Chemistry? Benford and Hairston, Allen and more. Bosa and Rousseau, others. Now, I think it's important to note that on Tuesday, today Sean McDermott did say that Joey Bosa pulled his calf, that he will not be participating in OTAs, but the thought is that he will be ready to go by training camp. So before we jump into eel's question, what did you make of that news? Because let's be real, Joey Bosa has had a long injury history. That was one of the concerns going into this one year contract. And now to know that he's going to be missing some time early on because of this.
A
Not about the missing time. It's OTAs. It's fine. Sean McDermott used the word concerning because it's soft tissue issue with a player who's had some stuff. It's not like he's out there trying to get hurt. I think he's in very good shape. I think he's out there. But some players have this happen. He's on a one year deal and the expectations are he is going to be an impactful player for them on that end and to have that happen, hey, listen, maybe the Bills get lucky on this one. Maybe he has his, you know, little issue in May. It happened working out with the team. Okay. So he was there and this is what happened. And they'll, they say he'll be ready at camp. I still don't see a reason he's been in this league. He has been productive when he's healthy. I think they want to get him ready. I, I still would say when they come to Fischer, I still believe it's going to be a ramp up for the him. I don't think it's going to be go wild in training camp for Bosa. But when you hear that and it's like calf injuries, any of the soft tissue stuff, not great.
B
It's the soft tissue where you're like, ah, that's something that can linger. I mean it's May, so there is that. But to have a guy that you already know has had injuries linger throughout his career, not exactly the most encouraging sign. Now does that mean that things could be totally just this off season part portion and be fine for the regular season? Yeah, of course.
A
So he could be revving up for chasing Lamar opening night. All good. And that's more likely than not. I mean it's, it's so early. If this is all he has, I think he'll be fine.
B
Yeah.
A
It's just you, you are concerned that it would repeat.
B
You don't love to see it. Okay. I had another question and I don't know where it went.
A
That's good, Good podcast.
B
Oh no, it was the, the Eels question of.
A
Yeah.
B
Who are you looking forward to seeing develop chemistry? Benford, Harrison, Allen and Moore, Bosa and Rousseau.
A
I don't think as much as Alan.
B
And Moore like more is definitely, definitely quick.
A
Yeah. Some speed smaller player.
B
Yes.
A
Yeah.
B
Yeah. I was kind of surprised.
A
Yeah. I mean I honestly believe and I think Dan said it the last time we were doing the podcast. I, I, I do like Curtis Samuel A lot. I think him coming back, but he was with him a year. I'm more interested in Allen and Josh Palmer. I want to see what that is. I think the expectations for Palmer are more than they are for Elijah Moore. I mean, they prioritize. They paid him more.
B
As I say, Elijah Moore, they signed a couple weeks ago.
A
Yeah. And Josh Palmer, they gave a decent amount of money.
B
Yeah, I agree.
A
And he's in the Hallmark movie.
B
I talk about making quite a debut. I know for first season with the Bills and you're already in a Hallmark movie.
A
Yeah.
B
It's pretty impressive stuff.
A
Look at that.
B
What do you think of Benford and Hairston?
A
Yeah, I think that's cool. You know, I always got a.
B
So different person.
A
Well, I always got a kick out of Trey, who is definitely. Especially rookie Trey Young. Trey, yeah, was definitely more like Hairston. And then on the other side, you know, you had Levi Wallace and Trey was a number one pick and Levi was an undrafted free agent. And Levi didn't say boo. And Trey talked. And it worked. They were different players. One was a all pro, the other one was a solid starter, but it worked for them. I think these guys are very different, too. But. Yes.
B
And the only reason we're, like, laughing, saying that is just because Christian Benford very much, like, keeps to himself. Like, he's not the guy that's like, trying to clown. Not clown for the camera, but, like, he's not someone that's like, goes out of his way for extra attention when you do talk to him. It's great to talk to him.
A
Yeah.
B
I mean, his perspective, everything. But he is not seeking out the camera. Not to say that Max Harrison is, but I think he's just got a more outwardly bubbly.
A
Oh, he's definitely comfortable in front of the camera. Christian Benford, not, though. I thought when he spoke to us after he had signed his contract, I thought he was great. Christian, you could tell how much it meant.
B
Oh, my gosh. Yeah.
A
But I don't think as much of the chemistry between the two corners as there is for me with the corners and the safeties and the corners and the linebackers.
B
Yeah.
A
Just in terms of the way they play, you know what I mean? Like, they're on opposite sides of the field. There are times based on the positions, they do work together. But I think of it more honestly as both of them working with the safeties and the importance of, you know, in that zone, you know, handing people off in his own coverage and that kind of communication. More so. But I'm looking at it more for Josh Allen and his past catchers.
B
Okay. At Tavian Rasmussen, my question is if one of the rookies were to become a superstar who takes time like a Josh Allen or Tremaine Edmonds, Terrell Bernard.
A
Right.
B
Who would it be and who would you want it to be and who do you think was likely to make an instant impact or most likely to can be rookies from this year or last.
A
Rookies to make a big impact. Well, from last year. Look, you would hope it's Keon Coleman.
B
Yeah.
A
Right. I mean you would hope you would.
B
Year two hope he made a really nice catch today. Again, it's May.
A
Yes.
B
But a nice one handed grab. Dalton Kincaid also had a really nice catch. 11 on 11.
A
Yeah. The other thing I wanted to mention is when you were talking about James Cook, there was a play and it was Buffalo Joe on defense.
B
Yes.
A
And Frank Gore Jr. Made the play right in front of him was great. Listen, I don't, I'm not sitting here telling You Frank Gore Jr. Is taking the place of James Cook if he's not there. But it is cool seeing guys get a little more opportunity when somebody is not there. These are, these are flashes. I tell you one thing I did notice today, one day OTAs because they can do 7 on 7, 11 on 11. I love seeing the competition come out.
B
I. Okay, so it's May, right? I know we said that about 78 times in this podcast but like sometimes when you're going to a practice like this, you really, your expectations are tempered because you're like what are we really going to see? They're not going to really do. They're not installing off, you know what I mean? Like it's, is it going to be super vanilla for the 11 on 11 work? I was shocked at just the enthusiasm overall. Like I feel like Josh Allen was like when you sell, when you score touchdown, like celebrate big. Yeah, they were punting the ball. They were all in like it was in it. It bred that competition. You could see the defense kind of take it a little bit personally and it, it brought a lot of juice, which I know, like it seems trivial this time of year, but I think that does just ramp up the intensity of practice. How could it not these the way.
A
The guys are wired. But this is that time on the field for the few hours and certainly in those 11 on 11s when it is you against him. Dorian Williams almost made a tremendous interception in the end zone. Tipped back, tipped it again, couldn't pull it in but that's what you want to see. You want to see guys making plays. And I do think that natural. Listen when they go out and play hoops or they go out and do whatever, they are naturally competitive people. But this is in that team structure when they're trying to run plays and everything. I thought it was kind of cool today. I thought that part you saw a. That little bit snaps back into attention. What Deion say it was like being on a. A long bye week.
B
Yes. That's coming back. Yeah. And I think you see that. All right, this question, the last one is mine. Just what are some of your other.
A
Takeaways from Josh Allen being there?
B
I was shocked. I shouldn't say shocked, but the wedding coming up very soon.
A
Yes.
B
And I think that just says a lot about the leader he is.
A
I said to you, I said, well, I don't think Josh. Josh, is it all these OTs.
B
Yeah, he is.
A
No matter how many hundreds of holes of golf he plays in the off season, he shows up. He knows. Sean said it like he's the franchise guy. Like, he knows what it means. It doesn't feel like a bill's practice if Josh Allen is not out.
B
I can't even.
A
Yeah, right.
B
Weird.
A
So he shows up at all the stuff. He's always there now. I don't know if he's. How long he's going to be. I would say, josh, you got stuff to take care.
B
Say. He would have had a great reason.
A
Yes.
B
He'd have a great reason to say, you know what? This ota. I'm gonna. I'm gonna stay this one out just because got the personal stuff going on. Got the wedding. Yeah. And I would have been like, totally makes sense. Yeah, I get it. But for him to be out there and I asked Greg Rousseau after practice, just like, what does that do for the team? He's like, he's the NFL mvp. And to see his commitment, like, how could that not trickle down? And it's like. Yeah, I know it's. It seems. Might seem silly to some people, but he really does set the tone. And like what Sean McDer said, he is the face of the franchise. Franchise. So for him being out there, it means something.
A
Every once in a while, I'll see some. And it's one of my favorite words. Some who will write something and say, oh, Josh is going Hollywood. And whenever that dude is the same guy. What did, what did Sean say today?
B
He was calm, cool, collected. Same as always.
A
Yeah. I don't know if, you know, ceremony time you never know how the guy feels.
B
No, you just. You mean, like, he'll be anxious? Not like some people might be. Like, what is.
A
No, no, he'll be fine. Yeah, he'll be fine.
B
Literally, marrying a movie star. He's good.
A
Yeah, he's fine. I think he's fine. But he does show up and he would have had every reason. It is voluntary.
B
It is. It is voluntary, but I just don't.
A
Think Josh looks at any of that stuff as voluntary.
B
I agree, but this would have been a. A very easy moment for him not to do. Yeah, like, not to go. But I mean, he is. He is the leader of the team.
A
From the Buffalo Plus Team. Josh, we give you permission to leave a little early.
B
And as someone planning a wedding.
A
Yeah.
B
You will not see me on this podcast.
A
What are you talking about? You are working right up to the day before you. You. We'll give you a few hours.
B
Yeah, no, no, I will say, I think Josh has a couple more resources than I do.
A
Yes.
B
You jump into the PJ and just head off to wherever the wedding is. But. But, yeah, no, I think for OTAs in May, there are a bunch of different storylines.
A
We did want to mention we will be doing the podcast live from Josh's wedding. Right. That's the plan.
B
Yeah. I gotta get my outfit together.
A
We gotta get him a shock. I told you. A toaster oven I thought was perfect.
B
Do you think, like, they would have a registry? I feel like it would just be, like, what charities you could like.
A
Yeah. There's no way.
B
There's no way. I don't know. I have no idea.
A
No, you can't.
B
I can't even imagine that life. Yeah, yeah, I know. All right.
A
People aren't getting you anything either.
B
Grief. They're giving me grief. No, I'm kidding. All right, that'll do it. For this episode of you ask, you ask, we answer. Presented by Stellar roofing, Windows and siding for Mike Catalana and Dan Fates. Who's not here? I am Jenna Cottrell. Thank you so much for watching the Buffalo Plus YouTube channel. Please be sure to, like, comment and subscribe. Subscribe. We'll catch you next time here on Buffalo plus, presented by Connors and Ferris. We'll start with this question from Robin.
A
So there's still a damn good defense. I have zero problem with them bringing this guy in. In the time it takes you to actually board a flight from Group 8.
B
Now boarding Premier Altitude Elite Club members. You could have bought a Hyundai on Amazon.
A
Visit HyundaiUSA.com or call 562-314-4603 for more details.
B
Limited availability pickup through participating Hyundai dealer and select markets.
Date: May 28, 2025
Hosts: Mike Catalana & Jenna Cottrell (Dan Fetes out)
This episode takes a mailbag approach as hosts Mike Catalana and Jenna Cottrell answer fan questions about major Buffalo Bills storylines—including James Cook's OTA absence and contract situation, the pressure on tight ends Dawson Knox and Dalton Kincaid, key developing player chemistries, reactions to Joey Bosa’s early injury, rookie impact expectations, plus the notable presence of Josh Allen at OTA practices ahead of his own wedding. The episode is full of insider perspective from inside the Bills' facility and delivers honest, nuanced discussion on Buffalo's roster, locker room dynamics, and season outlook.
[00:47–04:37]
[05:08–08:46]
[08:47–14:11]
[14:11–15:33]
[17:12–19:53]
Summary compiled by Buffalo Plus coverage.
For expanded coverage, visit Buffalo Plus on YouTube.