Buffalo Plus: A Buffalo Bills Podcast

Episode: You Ask, We Answer – James Cook Update, OTAs & Josh Allen Shows Up

Date: May 28, 2025
Hosts: Mike Catalana & Jenna Cottrell (Dan Fetes out)

Episode Overview

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.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. James Cook’s OTA Absence & Contract Situation

[00:47–04:37]

• Cook not at OTAs:
  • "He's not here. He wasn’t there. How's that?" – Mike Catalana [01:03]
  • Cook’s absence was expected as it’s a voluntary period and likely connected to contract considerations.
  • Sean McDermott addressed Cook’s absence in a non-dramatic way, avoiding speculation.
• Player/Team perspectives:
  • Jenna: “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.” [01:33]
  • Both believe Cook will be back for the season—key pivot is whether he reports to mandatory minicamp (June 10–12).
  • Mike: “I think he's going to get through this season… and then he's going to play elsewhere next year.” [02:49]
• Value of RBs & Contract Extensions:
  • Bills historically don’t prioritize RB with a high second contract; referenced the one-year, $1M Ty Johnson deal as evidence.
• Franchise Tag?:
  • “They don't like the tag.” – Mike on the idea of franchise tagging Cook [04:39]
  • Both doubt Buffalo uses the tag, citing team precedent (last used on Cordy Glenn).

2. Pressure & Outlook for Bills Tight Ends

[05:08–08:46]

• Dawson Knox:
  • High cap hit, paid as a TE1, but his role has shrunk since drafting Dalton Kincaid.
  • “He has been paid more than his role. When they paid him they believed his role was number one tight end.” – Mike [05:28]
• Dalton Kincaid:
  • This is a key year for Kincaid (“year three”), with the fifth-year option looming in the offseason.
  • Jenna notes Kincaid “does not look like he has gained a significant amount of muscle” despite offseason goals [06:25].
  • Both discuss the visible pressure on Kincaid to step up as a playmaker and top-tier TE.
  • “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.” – Jenna [08:03]
• Development Focus:
  • “This is a Super Bowl contending team. Guys got to be ready, got to step up… these are the moments when they make those decisions.” – Mike [08:18]

3. Developing Chemistry: Who to Watch

[08:47–14:11]

• Joey Bosa Injury Update:
  • Bosa suffers a mild calf strain, will miss OTAs, but is expected for training camp.
  • “Sean McDermott used the word 'concerning' because it's soft tissue… He's on a one-year deal and the expectations are he is going to be an impactful player for them.” – Mike [09:27]
• Which Duos to Watch:
  • WRs: Strong focus on chemistry between Josh Allen and new WRs, especially Josh Palmer (“I want to see what that is. I think the expectations for Palmer are more than they are for Elijah Moore.” – Mike [11:54])
  • Curtis Samuel and Elijah Moore also get mentions as interesting additions.
• Cornerback Duos:
  • Benford & Hairston: Contrasting personalities; Benford keeps to himself, Harrison more bubbly/outgoing.
  • “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.” – Mike [13:35]

4. Rookies: Who Could Break Out?

[14:11–15:33]

• Immediate vs. Delayed Impact:
  • Most obvious hopes are for rookie WR Keon Coleman: “You would hope it's Keon Coleman.” – Mike [14:42]
  • Cottrell shares Coleman made a highlight one-handed catch at OTAs [14:47].
• Veteran Standouts:
  • Dalton Kincaid made a notable play; Frank Gore Jr. flashed during drills—“cool seeing guys get a little more opportunity when somebody is not there.” – Mike [15:07]
• OTA Energy Level:
  • “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…” – Jenna [15:33]

5. The Tone Set by Josh Allen’s Presence

[17:12–19:53]

• Leadership on Display:
  • Allen is present at OTAs despite his upcoming wedding—“I said to you, I said, well, I don't think Josh. Josh, is it all these OTs…he shows up. He knows. Sean said it like he's the franchise guy. Like, he knows what it means.” – Mike [17:30]
  • “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?” – Jenna [18:05]
• Setting the Culture:
  • Allen’s presence “means something”—establishes energy, engagement, and expectation for the rest of the roster.
  • “It doesn't feel like a Bills practice if Josh Allen is not out.” – Mike [17:49]
• Balancing Life and Football:
  • Both hosts joke about wedding planning vs. football commitment, reflecting Allen’s unusual dedication.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On James Cook’s Contract Situation:
  • "He's going into the last year of his contract. This is the time players want the extension." – Mike Catalana [02:11]
  • "I don't expect things to get ugly... I just think this is the way he wants to approach it, and every player has the right to approach it in the way that they want." – Jenna Cottrell [01:33]
• On Team’s Approach to Franchise Tag:
  • “They don’t like the tag.” – Mike Catalana [04:39]
• On Dalton Kincaid’s Physical Development:
  • “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…” – Jenna Cottrell [06:45]
• On OTA Practice Energy:
  • “I was shocked at just the enthusiasm overall.” – Jenna Cottrell [15:33]
• On Josh Allen’s Approach:
  • “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.” – Mike Catalana [17:34]
  • "For him being out there, it means something." – Jenna Cottrell [18:36]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:47 – James Cook not at OTAs; contract and team dynamic
• 04:37 – Franchise tag discussion
• 05:08 – Knox/Kincaid roles and pressure
• 09:27 – Joey Bosa injury update and context
• 11:54 – Key WR chemistry to watch (Allen-Palmer/Moore)
• 13:14 – Benford & Hairston personality/chemistry breakdown
• 14:42 – Rookie most likely to burst out (Keon Coleman)
• 15:33 – Unusually high OTA competition and energy
• 17:12 – Josh Allen’s impact by showing up at OTAs
• 18:05 – Greg Rousseau’s reaction to Allen’s presence

Tone & Takeaways

• Language & Tone: Conversational, lightly humorous but with significant insight; the hosts engage in honest dialogue and draw on long-term experience.
• For Bills Fans:
  • This episode delivers thoughtful, no-hype context on current Bills storylines.
  • Provides an insider look at locker room culture, positional battles, management philosophy, and the leadership effects of players like Josh Allen.

Summary compiled by Buffalo Plus coverage.
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