The Buffalo Bills struck gold in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft by selecting running back James Cook with the 63rd overall pick. Since then, Cook has proven to be a dependable and elite playmaker, amassing 2,638 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns in the regular season, along with 464 yards and four touchdowns in the postseason. He has also earned back-to-back Pro Bowl selections. In the regular season, he recorded 1,009 yards on 207 carries with 16 touchdowns, while adding 272 yards on 53 carries and three touchdowns in the playoffs.
The Buffalo Bills star running back enters the final year of his rookie contract
James Cook is entering the final year of his four-year, $5,832,057 rookie contract, which he signed during the 2022 offseason. Thanks to the Proven Performance Escalator—a bonus awarded to mid-to-late-round picks who play significant snaps or earn Pro Bowl honors—he will receive a $5,190,000 base salary and carry a $5,620,374 cap hit for the 2025 season. Additionally, having completed his third regular season, Cook is now eligible to renegotiate or sign a contract extension immediately, as outlined in Article 7, Section 3 (k) (i) of the CBA.
Bills star running back’s desired asking price revealed ahead of 2025 offseason
During an Instagram Live video last night, James Cook expressed his desire for a contract extension worth $15 million per year. He even pinned his own comment, stating, “$15 mill year.” If the Buffalo Bills were to meet his request, Cook would become the second-highest-paid running back in the NFL, trailing only Christian McCaffrey, who earns $19 million annually.
3 reasons why an extension makes sense
A contract extension would be a logical move, given the significant impact an elite running back can have on an offense. Teams like the Eagles with Saquon Barkley, the 49ers with Christian McCaffrey, the Lions with Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, the Ravens with Derrick Henry, the Packers with Josh Jacobs, and the Texans with Joe Mixon all emphasize the value of a strong backfield. Cook has already established himself as one of the league’s top running backs within his first three seasons. Additionally, his youth and potential ensure he has several productive years ahead.
3 reasons why an extension doesn’t make sense
A contract extension may not be the best move, given Cook’s current asking price, which would make him the second-highest-paid running back in the league—surpassing players like Saquon Barkley, Jonathan Taylor, Derrick Henry, Josh Jacobs, and Joe Mixon. The Bills also have limited cap space, with only $14 million available for 2025 and $30 million for 2026, a figure that will shrink as other contracts are signed. Additionally, Buffalo employs a running back-by-committee approach, and Cook is coming off a season where he played less than 50% of the offensive snaps, making such a high investment questionable.
