James Cook has quietly become one of the most consistent running backs in the NFL – and now he wants to be paid like it.
After racking up his second consecutive 1,000-yard season in 2024 and helping lead the Buffalo Bills to the AFC Championship Game, the former second-round pick out of Georgia has his sights set on a major extension.
Cook wrapped up the regular season with 207 carries, 1,009 rushing yards, and a career-high 16 touchdowns – solidifying his role as one of the league’s most productive backs.
But despite his growing resume, contract negotiations between Cook and the Bills appear to be going nowhere fast.
“I don’t see us getting something done anytime soon,” Bills general manager Brandon Beane admitted earlier this week.
Cook is entering the final year of his rookie deal and is set to earn just $5.3 million in 2025. He’ll hit free agency in 2026 if no agreement is reached before then.
According to reports, the 24-year-old is seeking a new deal worth roughly $15 million annually – money Buffalo, at least for now, doesn’t seem willing to shell out.
In what may be an early signal of planning for the future, Cook has listed his three-bedroom, two-bathroom home for sale at $710,000.
While no one from his camp has officially commented on the move, it comes amid stalled negotiations and ongoing uncertainty about his long-term future in Buffalo.
Drafted 63rd overall in 2022, Cook has been a seamless fit in Buffalo’s offense, steadily growing his workload and production each season.
Through 49 career games, he’s tallied 533 carries for 2,638 yards and 20 touchdowns. He’s also developed into a reliable receiving option, adding further value to a Bills offense aiming to make another deep playoff run in 2025.
Cook’s emergence has played a key role in the team’s recent success, but with running back contracts becoming one of the trickiest issues in today’s NFL, his future in Buffalo is murky.
The Bills have Super Bowl ambitions – but whether Cook will be part of the next chapter remains to be seen.
Many fans believe the Bills should have won at least one Super Bowl by now. If they were to lose Cook, would their drought be extended???
