And just like that, Brandon Beane has locked in his core: Khalil Shakir, Christian Benford, Greg Rousseau, Terrel Bernard and, now, James Cook all inked contract extensions this offseason.

Tip of the hat to Terry Pegula for spending this kind of money.

The Buffalo Bills know the Super Bowl window is open and wanted to secure their own. Cook’s contract stalemate got testy at the end, but it was always smart for these two sides to meet in the middle. It sends a strong message in the locker room, too.

To discuss it all, let’s welcome Jon Scott from WGRZ onto the Go Long Pod.

* We analyze Cook’s deal, Cook’s value and why he’s worth a four-year, $46 million contract even as a two-down player.

* Will Keon Coleman elevate his game in 2025? The Bills are counting on the wide receiver taking a giant step. He’s had an interesting summer.

* Brandon Beane is maximizing Josh Allen’s prime. It just looks different.

* Which player surprised Jon most at St. John Fisher? I didn’t see this player’s name coming.

* Our causes for concern this season. Cole Bishop’s health is near the top of that list. The Bills’ safety play must improve when a January date with Patrick Mahomes is inevitable.

You can watch or listen to our conversation above or anywhere you pod: Apple, Spotify and YouTube.

Also: Here’s our latest round of Mailbag questions for paid subscribers.

Always love talking ball with my former colleague at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinal: longtime beat man, Tom Silverstein.

Nobody covers the team beter than “Spoon,” and you can read all of his work right here.

Here on the Go Long Podcast, we get updates and analysis on everything Packers…

* Jordan Love enters Year 3 as the starter. How is he adjusting his game? The Packers quarterback opened up on how the 2024 injuries affected his running. One year ago, we billed him a future all-time great. It’s a massive season for the $220 million quarterback.

* How will rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden factor into the offense? Silverstein believes Matt LaFleur sees shades of Deebo Samuel in Savion Williams, too.

* Who leads the Packers in receiving this season? Our friend’s answer may surprise you.

* This roster constructed by GM Brian Gutekunst is strong. This is a year-in, year-out playoff team. But who are the A-to-A+ players that get Green Bay to a Super Bowl?

* Matt LaFleur is entering his seventh season. As analyzed in the aftermath of his latest playoff loss, it’s not easy for coaches this deep into a tenure with a win to go all the way. His job’s safe but the pressure’s always high at 1265 Lombardi Ave.

For those asking, YES, the “Ty & Bob Pod” with Bob McGinn will return for another season. Cannot wait.

I’ll share details as we close in on the season.

Enjoy.

ICYMI:

* Drake London blacks out

* Welcome to the Junkyard: 'Dying to win,' Grant Delpit is here to change the Cleveland Browns forever

* The Revenge of Dalton Kincaid

Always a joy to welcome on one of my best friends from the college days at Syracuse: Conor Orr of Sports Illustrated.

Great writer. Better father. Loved our conversation on all the above.

Each NFL season, there’s a team that sneaks up on everyone. Nobody outside of Dan Quinn’s staff expected the Washington Commanders to reach the NFC title game in 2024.

Who goes on an unexpected run in 2025? We discuss. I’m guessing my NFC pick won’t come as a shock. Feel free to offer your surprise teams in the comments, too.

Miss any of our 2025 NFL Season Preview features rollin’ out at Go Long? Links below:

* Drake London blacks out

* Welcome to the Junkyard: 'Dying to win,' Grant Delpit is here to change the Cleveland Browns forever

* The Revenge of Dalton Kincaid

Go Long is fueled 100 percent by you. Thank you for making us your home for longform.

New here? We’d love to welcome you aboard as a paid subscriber this season.