Agreement Reached: Buffalo Bills Running Back James Cook Secures 4-Year, $48 Million Contract Extension
James Cook Signs Four-Year, $48 Million Contract Extension with Buffalo Bills
After a brief hold-in during the preseason, running back James Cook has agreed to a four-year contract extension with the Buffalo Bills, worth a total of $48 million. The deal, which includes $30 million guaranteed, makes Cook the seventh highest-paid running back in the NFL based on new money per season.
The extension comes at an opportune time for Cook, who had informed the team of his plans to sit out due to his expiring contract. However, he opted to participate in practice for the first time since making that announcement. The contract extension guarantees Cook $30 million, a significant sum that is noted as the highest guarantee for a running back in the past five years.
Cook's impressive performances over the past two seasons have earned him this lucrative deal. In the 2024 regular season, he led the Bills with 1,009 rushing yards and tied for the most in the NFL with 16 rushing touchdowns, setting a franchise record for Buffalo. He also showed improvement as a pass-catching threat, contributing 32 catches for 258 yards and two touchdowns.
The extension averages $12 million per year in new money, a substantial increase from the $5.271 million base salary Cook was set to earn in the final year of his rookie contract. With this extension, Cook is now tied for the sixth-highest-paid running back in the NFL, reflecting his rising status and importance to the Bills’ offense.
Cook's career with the Bills spans 49 games since being drafted in the second round in 2022. In that time, he has rushed for 2,638 yards and 20 touchdowns and caught 97 passes for 883 yards and seven scores.
The news of Cook's contract extension was reported on Wednesday morning by multiple media outlets. In the preseason opener last week, Cook dressed but did not play, and the Bills turned to Ray Davis and Ty Johnson in his absence. Frank Gore Jr., another running back on the roster, had a team-best five receptions and 50 receiving yards in the preseason opener.
Cook's agent, Zac Hiller, expressed satisfaction that they were able to make the contract extension happen. Hiller stated that Cook envisioned himself as a Buffalo Bill and expressed gratitude towards the team. Head coach Sean McDermott noted changes in the Cook-Bills situation before Tuesday's morning practice, but did not provide further details.
With Cook now under contract for the foreseeable future, the Bills' offense looks set to continue its success in the coming seasons. Cook's ability to run and catch the ball makes him a versatile and valuable asset to the team, and fans can look forward to seeing him in action for many more games to come.
- James Cook's impressive performances in American football have earned him a lucrative deal, making him the seventh highest-paid running back in the NFL, with an annual average of $12 million in new money.
- The extension, worth $48 million over four years and including $30 million guaranteed, makes Cook the running back with the highest guarantee in the past five years in the NFL.
- As a key player for the Buffalo Bills' offense, Cook led the team in rushing yards during the 2024 regular season and tied for the most touchdowns in the NFL, contributing to a franchise record for Buffalo.
- In the NFL, where sports such as football and sports like games are highly competitive, the extension guarantees Cook a significant sum, allowing him to continue his career as a key player on Coach Sean McDermott's team in the National Football League.
