The Buffalo Bills ended a long stalemate with running back James Cook last offseason, responding to the running back’s public desire for a big raise with a contract extension that keeps him in Buffalo for the remainder of the decade.
That deal is already looking like a steal for the Bills, earning new praise from analysts amid a slew of new running back deals that has raised the ceiling for contracts.
James Cook’s Contract Falls Outside Top 10
Cook had been publicly pressing the Bills for much of last year, echoing his brother — former NFL running back Dalvin Cook — in floating a $15 million per year figure. In the end, the Bills gave Cook a four-year extension worth $46 million, including $28.82 million in guaranteed money.
Though large at the time, the deal has since been eclipsed by a series of new running back contracts, already pushing Cook out of the top 10 contracts by annual value.
Chris Trapasso of SB Nation’s Buffalo Rumblings shared praise for Cook’s deal, calling it a hallmark of general manager Brandon Beane’s approach to keep core players locked in.
“Much like a stellar Day 3 draft pick track record, regularly getting extensions done early is another trademark of the Brandon Beane era,” Trapasso wrote. “And how the Cook deal has ‘aged’ compared to other running back contracts is a prime example of the financial benefits the Bills have gotten from that team-building philosophy.”
SI.com’s Colin Richey called Cook one of the NFL’s biggest bargains, noting that he led the NFL in rushing last season with 1,621 yards on what is now closer to a middle-of-the-road contract for running backs.
“He showed last season that his explosiveness, agility, contact balance and vision make him one of the most dangerous runners in the league, and he left no doubt that he’s worth every penny he’ll make over the remainder of the contract,” Richey wrote. “With three Pro Bowls, a second-team All Pro, and several season stat titles to his name already, Cook’s contract should be viewed as one of the best bargains in the NFL.”
Cook’s contract will be a boon for the Bills going forward as well, freeing up cap space that can be used on other positions. It could prompt the Bills to restructure Cook’s contract at some point, as they have done with other players who fall outside the top value for their positions.
James Cook Remains Undisputed No. 1 Back
The Bills shifted away from a running back rotation for the 2025 season, giving a bigger workload to Cook after his big contract. While the team did get key contributions from backup Ty Johnson and Ray Davis — who earned an All-Pro spot as a kick returner — it was Cook who got the bulk of the carries.
Cook remains the undisputed No. 1 back heading into training camp. The Bills opted not to use any draft picks on a running back, bringing in a pair as undrafted free agents but none who are expected to steal carries from the reigning NFL rushing champion.
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