The Buffalo Bills are gearing up for a promising season with a strong shot at the Super Bowl, but a major issue is hindering their roster completion: the contract situation of running back James Cook. As Cook enters the final year of his rookie deal and pushes for a high-value extension, this has become the Bills’ top priority but also their biggest challenge this offseason.
James Cook – A Rising Star and a Big Contract Demand
At 25 years old, James Cook has established himself as one of the NFL’s premier running backs. In the 2024 season, he delivered an impressive 1,009 rushing yards and led the league with 16 rushing touchdowns, complemented by 272 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns in the playoffs. With two consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, Cook is not only a cornerstone of the Bills’ offensive scheme but also an explosive playmaker with his ability to break tackles and versatility in various situations.
However, Cook is seeking a new contract with an average annual value (APY) of around $15 million, which would place him among the highest-paid running backs in the NFL, just behind Saquon Barkley ($20.6 million) and Christian McCaffrey ($19 million). This demand puts General Manager Brandon Beane in a tough spot, especially with the Bills currently having only $1.6 million in cap space, the lowest in the NFL according to Over The Cap.
Contract Talks and Absence from OTAs
Cook has skipped the Bills’ voluntary Organized Team Activities (OTAs), making him the only player absent from the roster—a move widely seen as a signal of his dissatisfaction with the progress of contract negotiations. While head coach Sean McDermott and Beane have expressed confidence that Cook will be ready when the season begins, his absence raises concerns about the possibility of a prolonged “holdout” during mandatory minicamps or even training camp.
In an interview at the Celebrity Poker Tour in Las Vegas, Cook spoke cautiously about the situation: “I just want to make sure everything is done the right way, and I’m always there for my teammates. No matter what, it’ll get worked out.” However, his comment, “business is business,” suggests a firm stance, indicating he won’t easily back down if his salary demands aren’t met.
Why This Is a Tough Problem to Solve
1. Financial Constraints
With just $1.6 million in cap space, meeting Cook’s $15 million APY demand is nearly impossible without significant salary cap maneuvering. Beane has already spent heavily this offseason, extending contracts to key players like Josh Allen, Terrel Bernard, Khalil Shakir, Greg Rousseau, and Christian Benford. Signing Cook to a big deal would require restructuring existing contracts or cutting players, which could impact the team’s depth.
2. The Value of Running Backs in Today’s NFL
In the modern NFL, the running back position is often undervalued compared to roles like quarterback, wide receiver, or pass rusher. While 2024 saw top running backs like Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry secure lucrative deals, the market cooled in 2025. According to the Buffalo News, the running back market has reverted to shorter-term contracts, with teams prioritizing younger, cost-effective players. Despite his talent, Cook isn’t considered a complete three-down back due to limitations in pass protection, making the Bills hesitant to commit to a high salary.
3. The “Everybody Eats” Strategy and Roster Depth
The Bills embraced an “Everybody Eats” philosophy in 2024, distributing the ball evenly among offensive players rather than relying on a single star. This approach was evident after replacing Stefon Diggs and Gabriel Davis with a diverse receiving corps including Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, Curtis Samuel, and Joshua Palmer. In this context, Cook is a vital but not irreplaceable piece. Rookie Ray Davis, a physically imposing 220-pound back, has capitalized on Cook’s OTA absence by taking more reps with the first team, signaling that the Bills may be preparing for a future without Cook.
Options for the Bills
General Manager Brandon Beane faces several tough choices:
Extend Cook Immediately: This would require restructuring the salary cap, possibly by cutting or extending other players’ contracts to create space. However, Beane stated at the NFL’s annual meeting that he doesn’t see a deal happening in the short term, with the focus currently on preparing for the NFL Draft. Wait Until 2026: Beane could let Cook play out the final year of his contract and reassess his value based on his 2025 performance. If Cook continues to excel, the Bills could use the franchise tag (projected at $14.2 million for running backs in 2026) to retain him for another season while continuing negotiations. However, this risks alienating Cook and potentially disrupting team morale. Prepare for Cook’s Departure: If no agreement is reached, the Bills could let Cook hit free agency in 2026. Drafting a new running back or relying on Ray Davis and Ty Johnson could be a cost-effective solution, but it carries the risk of losing a dynamic playmaker like Cook.
James Cook’s Importance to the Bills
Despite the challenges, Cook’s role in the Bills’ offense is undeniable. With 2,638 rushing yards, 20 rushing touchdowns, and 97 receptions for 883 yards across 49 games, Cook is a versatile weapon who complements Josh Allen’s rushing ability. The Cook-Allen duo helped the Bills average 136.7 rushing yards per game (9th in the NFL) and 30.6 points per game (2nd in the NFL) in 2024.
Moreover, Cook brings an explosive element that few others on the roster can replicate. His ability to break tackles and produce long runs is highly valued by head coach Sean McDermott and offensive coordinator Joe Brady. Losing Cook could weaken the Bills’ offensive firepower, especially as they face the daunting challenge of overcoming the Kansas City Chiefs, who have eliminated Buffalo in four of the last five seasons.
Conclusion
James Cook’s contract situation is not just a financial issue but a test of the Buffalo Bills’ roster-building strategy. As the team stands on the cusp of a pivotal season, resolving this matter will directly impact their Super Bowl aspirations. Can Brandon Beane complete the Bills’ “Infinity Gauntlet,” as Thanos did in Avengers, or will Cook’s saga become an insurmountable roadblock? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: this is not an easy fix.