Agreement Secured: James Cook Secures $48 Million Contract with the Bills, Resolving Uncomfortable Contract Dispute
Buffalo Bills' James Cook Returns to Practice After Contract Extension
After a nine-day holdout, Buffalo Bills running back James Cook has returned to practice, signaling a resolution to his contract dispute. The new four-year extension, worth $48 million with $30 million guaranteed, secures Cook's position with the team through the 2029 season.
Cook had been seeking a new deal that reflected his rising value, particularly following a breakout 2024 season where he rushed for 16 touchdowns and achieved a second straight 1,000-yard campaign. His agents and the Bills reached an agreement shortly after Cook returned to practice, ending the impasse.
The new deal significantly increases Cook's salary from the roughly $5.3 million he was due in the final year of his rookie contract to $12 million annually, which ranks him as the sixth highest-paid running back in the NFL.
Cook's decision to return to practice was an expression of loyalty to his team and teammates. He stated that he values the team that drafted him, citing the good relationship with fans, community, and teammates.
The Bills, with Cook as a crucial piece of their offensive strategy led by quarterback Josh Allen, have Super Bowl aspirations for the upcoming season. Cook's return to practice is significant for the team, as he is a key player in their offensive strategy.
Despite missing part of training camp and the first preseason game, Cook did not play in the team's preseason opener against the Giants, despite appearing in uniform during warm-ups. It was unusual for a player with no intention of playing to appear in uniform during warm-ups, but Cook's return to practice indicates his commitment to the team and the upcoming season.
[1] Buffalo Bills agree to four-year contract extension with running back James Cook
[2] James Cook's contract extension with Buffalo Bills: What it means for the running back and the team
[3] James Cook's holdout with Buffalo Bills ends with new contract
[4] James Cook's contract extension with Buffalo Bills: Analysis and impact
[5] James Cook's holdout with Buffalo Bills: What led to the impasse and how it affects the team
[1] Despite the nine-day holdout, James Cook's football career with the Buffalo Bills is strengthened with a four-year NFL contract extension.
[2] With the $48 million deal, American football fans can expect to see Cook excel in NFL's leading sports league through 2029.
