James Cook and Bills reportedly aren’t on same page regarding contract extension: “Situation in Buffalo isn’t great right now”

Running back James Cook wants $15 million per year from the Buffalo Bills, but they don't have the cap space or the intention to extend his contract.

James Cook and Bills reportedly aren’t on same page regarding contract extension: “Situation in Buffalo isn’t great right now”

James Cook (Image via IMAGO)

James Cook had a phenomenal third year in the NFL. The Buffalo Bills running back posted 207 carries for 1009 yards and the league’s highest 16 rushing touchdowns in 16 games in 2024.

Cook saw the numbers fit to ask for a raise from the Bills. According to multiple reports, Cook demanded $15 million per year.

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The numbers were clearly influenced by Saquon Barkley’s new contract with the Philadelphia Eagles. However, the Bills didn’t play Cook’s game because the running back spot has witnessed a devaluation in recent years. Barkley received the extension because he was the offensive player last year and the Eagles won the Super Bowl.

Cook scored all those touchdowns, but he rushed fewer yards compared to his 2023 season, possibly making the Bills feel that the Pro Bowl’s demands are too much. Moreover, he still has one year left on his rookie contract, so the Bills don’t need to entertain him right now.

In the meantime, Cook surprised everyone by putting his Orchard Park house on sale. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport has a theory regarding Cook’s drastic move.

[James Cook] will play for the Bills [this] year [2025-26 season]. The house for sale… it doesn’t necessarily mean anything, but players know it gets reported. So, when you do that, that’s a pretty big statement… You don’t need to do it. Does it really affect things? I don’t know, but everyone notices.

Ian Rapoport said via The Pat McAfee Show

Tension brewing between the Bills and James Cook?

As Rapoport mentioned, putting the house up for sale means little to the grand scheme of things, but it does attract a lot of attention. Fans began speculating whether Cook would leave the Bills, and many outlets even linked the 2x Pro Bowler with various other teams.

James Cook and Bills reportedly aren't on same page regarding contract extension Situation in Buffalo isn't great right now
James Cook while playing against Cincinnati Bengals (Image via IMAGO)

More importantly, the Bills’ general manager, Brandon Beane, announced that they will not make any more contract extensions after locking down Christian Benford.

I don’t see us doing any deals anytime soon. We’re gonna focus on the draft and getting our cap in order… James to continue being a Buffalo Bill well past this season.

Brandon Beane said

Beane and the Bills went to work early to re-sign a few of their most valuable players. They gave extensions to edge rusher Greg Rousseau, linebacker Terrel Bernard, and wide receiver Khalil Shakir. According to Over The Cap, the extensions left the Bills with under $6 million in cap space. Paying Cook $15 million didn’t seem the right option for them.

The negotiations didn’t go great [but James Cook] is a player the Bills would like to have in their future because he’s young and he’s awesome on the field. I’m not sure him coming out and saying he wanted to make $15 million was the most welcome thing in the organization.

Ian Rapoport said

What are the options open for the Bills?

In the current age of football, running backs are considered expendable because they can be easily replaced. The Bills can do the same if Cook doesn’t play by their rules.

The AFC East side already boasts a capable replacement in their ranks. Ray Davis, a 2024 fourth-round pick, played backup to Cook last season. Davis showed tremendous agility and moved well with the ball in his hands. He contributed with 778 total yards and 6 total touchdowns in 17 appearances.

If Cook sticks by his initial demand even after the 2025 season, then the Bills can move on from the 25-year-old and elevate Davis as the starter. After that, Beane & Co. can go into the draft and select a rookie running back in the late rounds as cover or bring in a veteran as the backup to Davis.

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