Bills Central

NFL cap expert recommends contract terms for Bills' Cook to end contract drama

Buffalo had a historic year offensively and running back James Cook played a big role. Now the question is, "How do they afford to keep him?"

Brian Letscher

Jan 26, 2025; Kansas City, MO, USA; Buffalo Bills running back James Cook (4) reacts in the closing minutes of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs during the AFC Championship game.
Jan 26, 2025; Kansas City, MO, USA; Buffalo Bills running back James Cook (4) reacts in the closing minutes of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs during the AFC Championship game. / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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By all metrics, James Cook went off in 2024. Trusted as a three-down back in Joe Brady's"everybody eats" offense, Cook racked up 1,267 yards from scrimmage and a conference-leading 18 touchdowns -- a performance that sent him to the Pro Bowl for the second straight season.

Taken in the 2nd round of the 2022 draft, this season was Cook's third on his four year rookie deal, so it makes complete sense to be evaluating a contract extension given his performance. It didn't take long, however, for that process to turn contentious, with Cook making an unofficial demand for $15 million per year in a comment on a social media post.

RELATED: Bills Pro Bowl RB James Cook hints at range of salary he expects in contract extension

This was followed up with Cook 'scrubbing' most things Bills from his Instagram account, a move that felt a bit premature and could cause a bit of tension between he and the Bills organization.

One person who feels the Bills need to make a move to keep Cook now is contract expert Michael Ginnitti of Spotrac. Ginnitti notes, "The Bills have around 8 players eligible & worthy of a contract extension this winter, but Cook might become the most sensible priority...paying above-average running backs as early as possible seems to be the best path forward based on age/shelf life."

RELATED: Free agent RB targets for Bills amid James Cook drama

james cook
Jan 19, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills running back James Cook (4) / Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

RELATED: Former Pro Bowler Dalvin Cook gives pointed advice to Bills about James Cook's contract extension

Ginnitti and Spotrac's comps for the Cook extension include Green Bay Packer RB Josh Jacobs and the current NFL rushing leader and Super Bowl champ, Saquon Barkley. All of this nets out to a potential four year extension worth around $41 million. While that's a good chunk shy of Cook's initial idea of $15 million perhaps the Bills general manager, Brandon Beane, will open up talks with the Cook camp early, giving them a chance to meet in the middle to keep Cook's Pro Bowl production in Buffalo.

james cook
Dec 22, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills running back James Cook (4) makes a catch for a touchdown against New England Patriots safety Brenden Schooler (41) / Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

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Brian Letscher
BRIAN LETSCHER

A Michigan native, Brian graduated from the University of Michigan in another century, where he earned a degree in economics and a Rose Bowl Championship ring while playing football for the Wolverines under Head Coach Gary Moeller. Brian went on to coach Division 1A football for several years before becoming a full-time writer and actor while maintaining an unhealthy interest in sports. He is currently developing a scripted television series, THOSE WHO STAY, based on a series of historical fiction articles he wrote about Bo Schembechler's Michigan football program as they struggle to unite and win the championship - which requires beating #1 Ohio State - during the tumultuous civil rights and anti-war movements of 1969.

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