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Josh Allen Sends Loud Message to Bills Front Office About James Cook

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Michael Gallagher | Last updated Aug 8, 2025 1:42 PM ET

While reigning MVP quarterback Josh Allen is the heart and soul of the Buffalo Bills offense, there’s no question running back James Cook is a key cog in the machine.

Cook, who was tied with Derrick Henry of the Baltimore Ravens and Jahmyr Gibbs of the Detroit Lions for the league-lead in rushing touchdowns last season (16), and posted his second consecutive 1,000-yard season, has quickly established himself as one of the top RBs in the NFL.

The 25-year-old two-time Pro Bowler is heading into the final year of his rookie contract, which pays him $5.27 million in 2025, but he’s currently holding out in lieu of a significant raise that will likely make him one of the highest-paid running backs in the NFL.

While it appears the Bills are just fine with slow-playing Cook’s extension, Allen sounded off on Thursday about the importance of getting Cook back to camp, seemingly sending a message to the front office that it needs to start acting with more urgency to get Cook signed.

“James is who he is,” Allen stated, via NFL.com. “He's one of the best running backs in the league, and you'd be crazy to say we don't want him out there. We desperately want him out there with us. Hopefully something can get done.”

The Los Angeles Rams may have given the Bills a blueprint of sorts for Cook’s next deal with the three-year, $33 million contract they gave Kyren Williams days ago.

The $11 million-per-year salary makes Williams the seventh-highest paid RB in the NFL, and gives the Bills and Cook a realistic jumping off point in their negotiations.

“I'm a big advocate of everybody getting theirs and getting paid,” Allen added. “… At the end of the day, there's this huge business piece to this game. It's the hardest part. A lot of people don't understand it. He's holding out, holding in, whatever he's doing. This is generational stuff. It's wealth for you and your family.”

Williams and Cook both entered the league in 2022, and after serving as a backup during their rookie seasons, both took over the starter’s role in Year 2.

Williams has more rushing touchdowns (26 to 20), but Cook has more total rushing yards (2,638 to 2,582), more receptions (97 to 75), more receiving yards (883 to 464), and more touchdown catches (seven to five).

If Cook’s holdout drags into the regular season, Ray Davis and Ty Johnson would likely split the carries. Davis rushed for 442 yards and three touchdowns last season, while Johnson added 13 yards and one score.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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