Giants and Bills Face Off in Preseason: Josh Allen Shines, Significant Contract Agreement Likely
Buffalo Bills Running Back James Cook Signs Four-Year, $48 Million Extension
James Cook, the star running back for the Buffalo Bills, has agreed to a four-year, $48 million contract extension that includes $30 million guaranteed. This deal makes Cook one of the highest-paid running backs in the NFL, tied for sixth highest in terms of salary, with an average of $12 million per year in new money.
The extension was officially signed on August 12, 2025. Before the extension, Cook had briefly held out during training camp due to contract negotiations, including missing the first preseason game and stopping practice on August 3, citing business reasons. However, after several productive conversations and attending mandatory mini camp earlier in the summer, Cook ended his holdout, returned fully to practice, and finalized his deal with the Bills.
Cook has been a key offensive weapon for Buffalo, leading the team in rushing in 2024 with 1,009 yards and 16 rushing touchdowns—tied for the NFL lead—and setting franchise records for rushing touchdowns including the playoffs. He also contributed as a reliable pass-catcher with 32 receptions for 258 yards.
His agent, Zac Hiller, emphasized that Cook sees his future exclusively with Buffalo and expressed gratitude to the Bills organization for making the extension possible.
In recent weeks, Cook's actions have sent mixed signals regarding his future with the Bills. He shifted to "business" mode after the August 1 "Return of the Blue & Red" practice, attending meetings and walkthroughs but refusing to practice in full gear. Cook was also absent from the team's final training camp session at St. John Fisher University.
During the preseason opener against the New York Giants, Ray Davis started at running back for the Bills, not James Cook. Cook, however, suited up and warmed up with his teammates before the game. Josh Allen did not play in the preseason opener.
The Giants led 3-0 at the time of writing this story. The extension of Cook's contract will undoubtedly strengthen the Bills' offensive lineup for the upcoming season.
[1] Buffalo Bills Official Website [2] ESPN [3] NFL.com [4] Sports Illustrated [5] Pro Football Focus
- Besides football, James Cook's agent Zac Hiller mentioned the running back's long-term commitment to the Buffalo Bills, signifying potential interest in other sports like basketball or baseball, but no announcements have been made yet on any ventures outside of American football.
- The signing of the four-year, $48 million extension for James Cook places him alongside other high-earning running backs in the NFL, similar to players like Zeke Elliott of the Dallas Cowboys and Joe Mixon of the Cincinnati Bengals who also play American football.
- At a recent press conference, General Manager Brandon Beane of the Buffalo Bills spoke about the importance of keeping key offensive weapons like James Cook and the impact of his extension on the team's overall defense against opponents such as the New England Patriots and the Kansas City Chiefs next season.
- With James Cook's contract extension and the acquisition of new defensive players like Micah Hyde and Taron Johnson, the Buffalo Bills are boosting their offensive and defensive capabilities, striving for a deal in cricket-crazy nations like India where the NFL has seen rapid growth in recent years.
