The Buffalo Bills Pro Bowl running back James Cook is looking for a significant pay raise of $15 million per year as a result of last year’s outstanding production he put. According to the source, the running back is eligible for contract negotiation talks as the level of play over the past two seasons has been helping him for this moment. The new contract would put him right behind Christian McCaffrey‘s deal who is on top of the market at $19 million but it’ll be interesting to see what the Bills will do. Originally selected in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, the former Georgia product had one of most productive 2024 seasons, racking up 1,267 yards from scrimmage and leading the conference with 18 touchdowns.
It’s easy to see why he deserves a big payday since he’s one of the more keystone players under Josh Allen’s offense. However, as of this posting, Cook recently scrubbed all of the Bills’ photos and unfollowed them, except for his Pro Bowl shot which could speculate the clock is ticking. The uprising star could be willing to leave the team if it means looking for a new deal that fits him. For the sake of this article, this is just pure speculation but one to watch closely so here are some possible next teams that may offer him a grand contract.
Bills Pro Bowler James Cook Looking for “Significant” Pay Raise – Could They Entertain a Future Trade?
Possible Next Teams?
Los Angeles Chargers
As the Chargers will look to rebuild a new offense for quarterback Justin Herbert with capable wide receivers other than rookie Ladd McConkey, they should prioritize the ground game. Veteran J.K. Dobbins has done phenomenally well in this offense last 2024 campaign but Gus Edwards still has one more year left on his contract and has been looking a his former Baltimore self. Realistically, the Chargers should be in the market for a new running back even if they decide to re-sign Dobbins on a new deal. Perhaps, they could release Edwards and move Dobbins as the new No. 2 running back while they look for their new starter.
James Cook’s landing with the Chargers would be a dream come true for Jim Harbaugh’s philosophy since he loves running the football. He believes that’s how they’re going to win games behind a capable offensive line to open up the line. Perhaps, if Cook is available for a trade and the Bills may be desperate to do so only if the running back has been holding out for a long time. The Bills have been reluctant to pay their top guys and that was evident in trading Stefon Diggs to the Texans last year.
Washington Commanders
For the Commanders, the team will embrace losing Austin Ekeler after having an average year behind Bijan Robinson. The offense is changing every season and they could use some firepower in the running back department. While they need another capable wide receiver to pair with Terry McLaurin, quarterback Jayden Daniels could benefit from some ferocious running from James Cook’s presence in Washington.
Dallas Cowboys
This might be the potential that changes the landscape of the Dallas Cowboys organization in the last decade. Perhaps, after failing to bring out the nostalgia of veteran Ezekiel Elliott and getting anything special from Rico Dowdle, the Cowboys may trade for Cook to finally address their running back department. Pass Rusher Micah Parsons has been in several trade rumors so maybe they could spice up the deal by offering him in return for Cook.
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