"Buffalo Bills and James Cook forge agreement on fresh contract terms"
Buffalo Bills Running Back James Cook Signs Four-Year, $48 Million Extension
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook has put an end to months of contract negotiations, agreeing to a four-year, $48 million deal with the team. The agreement, which includes $30 million guaranteed, marks the highest guarantee for a running back in the past five years.
The deal was finalized around August 12-13, 2025, after Cook had a brief hold-in during training camp. The hold-in came after several days of missed practice and the Bills' first preseason game.
Cook, who had been absent from a smile for most of the training camp, returned to practice in full uniform following his hold-in. The Bills' General Manager, Brandon Beane, confirmed the extension in media comments, noting good faith negotiations on both sides leading to the deal's completion.
The contract extension follows a period of tense negotiations where Cook expressed his desire for a top-tier running back salary, targeting around $15 million per year, placing him among the highest-paid NFL running backs.
As of mid-August 2025, James Cook is under contract with the Bills through at least four more seasons, removing the previous uncertainty about his financial future beyond the 2025 season.
The practice session where Cook was observed took place in Orchard Park, New York, the location of the Buffalo Bills' training facility. The specific measures taken by Cook to jumpstart negotiations are not specified.
James Cook, the NFL rushing touchdown leader from last season, was identified as the individual practicing during the session. The specific sport practiced was not explicitly mentioned, but given the context, it is likely American football.
[1] ESPN. (2025, August 12). Buffalo Bills' James Cook agrees to four-year, $48 million contract extension. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/37981591/buffalo-bills-james-cook-agrees-four-year-48-million-contract-extension
[2] NFL.com. (2025, August 13). Buffalo Bills running back James Cook signs four-year, $48 million contract extension. Retrieved from https://www.nfl.com/news/buffalo-bills-running-back-james-cook-signs-four-year-48-million-contract-extension
[3] SI.com. (2025, August 14). Buffalo Bills' James Cook signs four-year, $48 million contract extension. Retrieved from https://www.si.com/nfl/2025/08/14/buffalo-bills-james-cook-contract-extension
[4] Yahoo Sports. (2025, August 15). Buffalo Bills GM Brandon Beane discusses James Cook's contract extension. Retrieved from https://sports.yahoo.com/buffalo-bills-gm-brandon-beane-discusses-james-cook-contract-extension-170046468.html
[5] CBS Sports. (2025, August 16). Buffalo Bills running back James Cook signs four-year, $48 million contract extension. Retrieved from https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/buffalo-bills-running-back-james-cook-signs-four-year-48-million-contract-extension/
In light of the reported $48 million extension, James Cook will continue to demonstrate his skills in American football, notably in the NFL and specifically for the Buffalo Bills, where he excels as a running back in the highly coveted sport of football, such as American-football. This contract extension underscores Cook's commitment to the game and reinforces his status as one of the highest-paid running backs in the league.
