James Cook has proven vital to the success of offense coordinator Joe Brady’s system. What’s next for Cook and the Buffalo Bills?
The biggest story line for the Buffalo Bills this offseason has centered around running back James Cook. He wants to be paid well, and he’s taken to social media to get the word out. Cook has yet to report for Organized Team Actvities (OTAs), which many perceive as being related to his wish for a new deal.
If you spend any time on social media, listening to Buffalo sports talk radio, or delving into the comments section at Buffalo Rumblings, you’ve probably noticed that everyone has an opinion on what they would like to see happen with Cook. It appears as though most fans find themselves falling into one of three categories: “never pay a running back,” “extend him this offseason,” or “under one caveat.” There are certainly fans who fall outside of these groups, but in my opinion these appear to fit the majority.
Here’s why…
The “never pay a running back” group
This group seems to be the most vocal on social media, as they find productive running backs to be easily replaceable. There’s some credence to their argument, as there are a number of 1,000-yard rushers last season who were selected outside of the top 100 in their respective drafts including James Connor (pick 105), Bucky Irving (125), Chuba Hubbard (126), and Tony Pollard (128).
Others argue that the Bills have suitable replacements already on the roster, evidenced by the production from Ray Davis and Ty Johnson in 2024. Others will discuss the limits of the salary cap, and how those resources can be allocated to other positions that cannot be as easily replaced.
The “extend Cook this offseason” group
General manager Brandon Beane handed out a plethora of contract extensions this offseason with Khalil Shakir, Greg Rousseau, Terrell Bernard, and Christian Benford getting new deals. Cook was the notable exception — which could be tied to the belief that he wants an average of $15 million per year.
We’ll touch on that average below, but there are still plenty of fans who want to see Cook re-signed. As the salary cap increases each year, so does the ceiling for running back salaries. Derrick Henry signed a two-year extension worth $30 million, which would have been unheard of in the recent past for a back over the age of 30.
Putting the financials aside, most will agree that Cook is the Bills’ most explosive weapon on offense. His 16 rushing touchdowns tied a team record last year, as he eclipsed the 1,000 yard mark for the second straight season. While there’s nothing against Davis and Johnson, it’s easy to argue that Cook adds an element of explosiveness to Buffalo’s offense.
The “under one caveat” group
In my opinion, this is the group that seems to be growing exponentially the past few weeks. The caveat for this group is that they want Cook to re-sign with the Bills, but at something deemed more reasonable than $15 million per year. What that acceptable number is fluctuates across different conversations, with the majority finding a range between $10-$12 million per season to be a good fit.
An additional caveat to the conversation is centered around Cook, and if he would even accept something within that range. Something like this would have Cook paid in similar fashion to players like Aaron Jones ($10 million APY), Alvin Kamara ($12.25 m APY), and Josh Jacobs ($12 m APY).
The discussion around Cook’s contract is expected to carry on throughout the remainder of the offseason. Do the Bills come to an agreement with their former second-round pick, or let him play out his rookie year in the 2025 season?
Will Cook change his tune by the start of Mandatory Minicamp? Sound off in the comments section below!