With the 2024 season in the rearview, Buffalo Bills running back James Cook is now eligible for a contract extension – and he’s ready to cash in.
Cook took to Instagram on Wednesday to make his stance clear: he wants $15 million per year on his next deal.
Given his production, that figure isn’t that outlandish.
Cook has already posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and racked up 18 touchdowns in 2024. At just 24 years old, he still has plenty of mileage left.
But whether the Bills are willing to hand him a lucrative extension is another story.
Cook is still under contract for one more season, set to earn $5.19 million in 2025 thanks to performance-based incentives tied to his rookie deal.
If Buffalo isn’t eager to commit long-term, they could franchise tag him in 2026, a move that could cost close to $15 million due to the league’s rising salary cap.
Cook, however, doesn’t want to wait.
He’s seeking multi-year security, but the Bills hold the leverage. The team can take it year by year, forcing him to play out his contract and then use the tag as a short-term solution.
The downside? A potential holdout from Cook – though sitting out would cost him an accrued year toward free agency, limiting his options.
While Cook’s contract situation looms, Buffalo is also eyeing ways to improve the roster to finally break through to the Super Bowl.
Despite quarterback Josh Allen consistently leading them to the playoffs, the Bills have constantly fallen short in the AFC.
However, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, one move could change all of that – trading for Cleveland Browns star edge rusher Myles Garrett.
“What became clear through the playoffs is that Buffalo needs to add more true difference-makers to the roster,” Fowler wrote.
“Many around the league agree: Working a potential trade for Myles Garrett or another high-end pass rusher would make sense. The Bills need more edge prowess.”
Garrett, a four-time All-Pro, has requested a trade this offseason, making him one of the most coveted names on the market.
In theory, adding Garrett would be a game-changer for Buffalo’s defense. However, there are major roadblocks to making it happen.
The Browns may not want to send him to an AFC contender.
Trading within the same conference isn’t unheard of, but teams often hesitate to strengthen a direct competitor unless the offer is overwhelming.
Further complicating matters is the fact that Buffalo’s salary cap is already stretched.
The Bills are currently $14 million over the 2025 cap, making it difficult to take on Garrett’s massive contract without some major financial maneuvering.
Garrett wouldn’t come cheap. The Browns would likely demand multiple high draft picks, which could be a tough ask for a Bills team with other pressing needs.
While a Garrett trade would be a dream scenario, the reality is that Buffalo faces a complex financial puzzle this offseason.
Between Cook’s contract demands and potential big-name acquisitions, the Bills’ front office has crucial decisions ahead – ones that could determine whether they finally reach the Super Bowl or continue falling short.
What are your thoughts on the situation in Buffalo? … Do you think Cook is worth that type of money?
And how about Garrett? … Do you think the Bills have any chance of landing him???
