James Cook spent some time on Instagram Live on Tuesday night and the Buffalo Bills running back raised some eyebrows when he appeared to name his asking price as he enters the final season of his four-year rookie contract: $15 million per season.
James cook on Insta live pinning his “15 mil” comment pic.twitter.com/ynv9kvEp9h
— BillsMuse (@BillsMusee) February 12, 2025
Cook is set to count $5.6 million against the salary cap in 2025. So the 25-year-old University of Georgia product is looking to nearly triple his salary. A $15 million average would rank second among NFL rushers behind only the San Francisco 49ers‘ Christian McCaffrey, per Spotrac.
It’s a potentially concerning situation for the Bills. They have limited financial flexibility this offseason and have several other needs to fill, especially on defense. The key question may become whether Cook is willing to hold out until Buffalo meets his demands.
Bills, James Cook Face Difficult Contract Negotiations
Cook’s Terrific 2024 Season
Cook was one of the NFL’s best running backs this season. He racked up 1,267 yards from scrimmage and 18 total touchdowns, which was tied with the Baltimore Ravens‘ Derrick Henry for the second-highest total among non-quarterbacks. The Detroit Lions‘ Jahmyr Gibbs led the way with 20.
The Bills’ starting back has now solidified his spot among the league’s elite. It’s a status he started to achieve in 2023 when he posted 1,567 scrimmage yards. His emergence has allowed Buffalo’s offense to create a more balanced approach instead of leaning solely on quarterback Josh Allen.
Cook, who earned a strong 82.3 Pro Football Focus grade in 2024, has the skill set to serve as a workhorse three-down back. He wasn’t utilized that way much this season, however, mostly because Ty Johnson was highly effective in a third-down, pass-catching role.
Bills’ Other Running Back Options
Johnson is an impending unrestricted free agent. The Bills would love to bring him back. That’s particularly true if Cook’s situation tends toward holdout territory. He’ll probably generate plenty of interest on the open market given his success in the niche role, though.
Ray Davis endured an up-and-down rookie season. The California native recorded 152 yards from scrimmage in an October win over the New York Jets while filling it for an injured Cook. Yet, his overall numbers, including a lackluster 3.9 yards per carry, didn’t jump off the page.
Frank Gore Jr. is Buffalo’s other running back under contract for 2025. He spent pretty much the entire campaign on the practice squad after signing as an undrafted free agent. He did impress during the preseason with 164 rushing yards on 33 carries (4.9 YPC).
Buffalo’s Salary-Cap Situation
The Bills are nearly $18 million over the projected 2025 cap to open the offseason, according to Spotrac. It’s not a dire situation as they’ll be able to get comfortably under the cap with a combination of releases, contract restructures, re-signings, and possibly even a few trades.
That said, there won’t be enough money to have a blockbuster summer. Buffalo will likely have the wiggle room to make one marquee move—a stud edge-rusher like the Cleveland Browns‘ Myles Garrett or Las Vegas Raiders‘ Maxx Crosby should be the main target—but that’s about it.
“I don’t expect us to be, as I said here a year ago, big spenders in free agency or anything like that,” Bills general manager Brandon Beane told reporters at his season-ending press conference.
As a result, there probably isn’t space for a new Cook contract to take effect in 2025. If a deal is reached, the bulk of the new money would likely have to begin in 2026.
What Lies Ahead for Bills, Cook
Cook is trying to strike while the iron is hot. It’s hard to blame him. Running backs have an extremely limited shelf life in the NFL. Trying to secure at least one lucrative, long-term contract is essential, and the window is small since rookie contracts eat up the first handful of seasons.
The two-time Pro Bowl selection has earned a big-money deal. For now, however, it’s tough to tell whether the Bills will be able to give it to him.
Buffalo desperately needs a talent infusion on defense. The unit has failed miserably in the playoffs throughout the Allen Era. This year was no different. Watching the Philadelphia Eagles defensive line decimate the Kansas City Chiefs offense in the Super Bowl only further solidified what direction the Bills offseason should go.
How should the Bills handle James Cook’s contract situation? pic.twitter.com/tHCqi4XJjb
— WGR 550 (@WGR550) February 12, 2025
In turn, it’s hard to imagine a Cook extension coming anytime soon. Beane needs to let the offseason play out. If he’s able to make the necessary additions and there’s some wiggle room left when training camp arrives, giving the rusher a new deal could come into play.
Otherwise, the next step will be up to Cook. Is he willing to embark on an extended holdout until a new contract arrives? Or will he bet on himself having a third straight standout season before potentially heading to free agency next year? It’s too early to tell.
One thing’s for sure: the Bills offense won’t be nearly as dangerous if he’s not on the field come September.
Main Photo: [Denny Medley] – USA Today Sports
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