Running Back James Cook Agrees To Massive 4-Year Contract Extension With Buffalo Bills

The hold-in is officially over. Running Back James Cook was back at practice after a nine-day absence due to demanding a new contract with the team. According to Sean McDermott and Brandon Beane, the reason for Cook’s return to the practice field was because “things had changed.” Little did we know, “Things changed so quickly.”

Bills Agree To Extension With James Cook

Sep 23, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills running back James Cook (4) is tackled by Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Ventrell Miller (51) in the third quarter at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

On Wednesday, star running back James Cook and the Buffalo Bills agreed to a four-year contract extension worth $48 million, with $30 million guaranteed. This deal makes Cook the highest-paid running back in the NFL in terms of total contract value. The agreement has been confirmed by Cook’s agents Zac Hiller and Matt Leist of Loyalty Above All (LAA).

During the offseason, Cook went on Instagram stating that he wouldn’t sign a contract with Buffalo unless it was worth more than $15 million per season. His asking price dropped recently after the Los Angeles Rams signed running back Kyren Williams to a contract extension.

James Cook’s Production In Buffalo

Cook is coming off a Pro Bowl season with the Bills, rushing for over 1,000 yards and scoring 16 rushing touchdowns. He played about 45% of the team’s offensive snaps, which is about average for an NFL running back.

The extension ties Cook to Buffalo through the 2029 season. This offseason, the Bills have invested heavily in retaining key players, re-signing pending free agents such as DE Greg Rousseau, LB Terrel Bernard, CB Christian Benford, and WR Khalil Shakir. The team also rewarded 2024 NFL MVP Josh Allen with a new $330 million extension.

Final Thoughts

The Buffalo Bills have done an excellent job this offseason of keeping their core talent intact while maintaining a winning culture. The team has moved on from a plethora of veterans over the last few offseasons, including WRs Gabe Davis, Stefon Diggs, and fan favorite Mack Hollins. The team released future Hall of Fame DE Von Miller after signing him to a six-year contract in 2022.

HBO’s Hard Knocks series on the Bills shows that it is clear that the franchise’s foundation starts with strong ownership from Terry and Kim Pegula and continues through Head Coach Sean McDermott and General Manager Brandon Beane.

Buffalo’s culture thrives on developing and extending its own talent while adding smart acquisitions through free agency and the draft. This is why the Bills have become one of the most desirable destinations in the league. With five straight AFC East titles, the leadership in Buffalo is doing something right.

In Other News

The Buffalo Bills will travel to Chicago to face the Bears in their second preseason game of the year. The team will hold joint practices with the Bears over the next few days in preparation for the matchup. Chicago is coming off a 5–12 season in 2024, with Quarterback Caleb Williams leading the offense. The franchise hired former Lions Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson in hopes of guiding the team to the playoffs for the first time since 2020.

It’s anticipated that the Bills’ starting offense, including Allen and James Cook, will play to open the game. Buffalo’s next opponent is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a team they’ll face in the regular season, and the Bills won’t want to give them an early advantage in game planning. Buffalo will need to evaluate talent to decide on who will make the team’s initial 53-man roster and practice squad. With the James Cook extension, the team will need to create salary cap space, and you could see some surprising cuts by the Bills.