James Cook Aims for Big Season Amid Contract Talks
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook is entering the final year of his rookie contract and is reportedly seeking a new deal worth around $15 million per year. So far, the Bills appear hesitant to commit to that figure.
General manager Brandon Beane has indicated that while a deal hasn’t been reached yet, that doesn’t rule out the possibility of one being finalized within the next year.
Coming off two consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, including a 16-touchdown performance in 2024, Cook has proven to be a key part of Buffalo’s offense. To strengthen his case for a lucrative extension, he’ll likely need to maintain or exceed that level of production in 2025.
ESPN’s Mike Clay projects Cook to deliver another strong year with 1,070 rushing yards, 11 rushing touchdowns, along with 37 catches for 282 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns.
If these projections come true, Cook would likely earn his third straight Pro Bowl selection, reinforcing his status as one of the league’s most consistent running backs. However, it remains uncertain if the Bills will value his contributions enough to meet his financial demands.
Should he continue this level of performance, an agreement between Cook and the team seems likely—though the final terms could be a major topic of negotiation.
