Running Back James Cook of the Bills steps onto the field as the coach declares 'a shift has occurred'
James Cook and Buffalo Bills Agree on Contract Extension
After a brief hold-out, James Cook, the Buffalo Bills' running back, has agreed to a four-year, $48 million contract extension with $30 million guaranteed. The deal was announced on August 13, 2025, bringing an end to the contract dispute between Cook and the Bills [1][2][5].
Cook had stopped practicing on August 3, citing "business" reasons, and missed the first preseason game while negotiations were ongoing. He returned to practice on August 12, following the agreement [1].
In the preseason opener last week, Cook did not play, and the Bills used Ray Davis and Ty Johnson as running backs in his absence. Allen, the team's quarterback, has praised the performances of these fill-in players, stating that their absence is similar to the absence of wide receiver Khalil Shakir due to an ankle injury [3].
Frank Gore Jr. filled in admirably for Cook, recording 50 receiving yards on five receptions and 21 rushing yards in the game [4]. Allen also mentioned that the absence of Cook has provided more opportunities for Davis and Johnson [3].
Head coach Sean McDermott stated that conversations with Cook have been good, and that Cook is moving towards practicing with the team [2]. Brandon Beane, the Bills' general manager, acknowledged that Cook's "hold in" approach was not ideal during training camp, but expressed that the financial picture might not match the expectations of Cook's camp [2].
Allen expressed his hope that a resolution can be reached to allow Cook to rejoin the team, stating that he desires Cook's return to the field [3]. McDermott also expressed his optimism, stating that things have changed with the Cook-Bills situation, but did not provide further context [1].
Cook, aged 25, scored 16 rushing touchdowns and scored in 12 out of 17 regular-season games in the year 2024 [6]. With Cook back in the lineup, the Bills look forward to the rest of the preseason and the upcoming regular season.
References: [1] ESPN. (2025, August 13). Bills, James Cook agree to four-year, $48 million extension. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/34568517 [2] NFL.com. (2025, August 13). Bills, RB James Cook agree to four-year, $48M extension. Retrieved from https://www.nfl.com/news/bills-rb-james-cook-agrees-to-four-year-48m-extension [3] NFL Network. (2025, August 16). Josh Allen discusses James Cook's return and the Bills' running back situation. Retrieved from https://www.nfl.com/news/josh-allen-discusses-james-cook-s-return-and-the-bills-running-back-situation [4] Pro Football Focus. (2025, August 16). Frank Gore Jr. shines in Bills' preseason win over Giants. Retrieved from https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/frank-gore-jr-shines-in-bills-preseason-win-over-giants [5] Sports Illustrated. (2025, August 13). Buffalo Bills Agree to Four-Year, $48 Million Contract Extension with RB James Cook. Retrieved from https://www.si.com/nfl/bills/news/buffalo-bills-agree-to-four-year-48-million-contract-extension-with-rb-james-cook [6] Buffalo Bills. (2025). James Cook Stats. Retrieved from https://www.buffalobills.com/player/james-cook/11049733-james-cook
- The NFL contract extension between James Cook and the Buffalo Bills is worth $48 million over four years, with $30 million guaranteed.
- Despite being a key player on the team, Cook missed the first preseason game because of a contract dispute.
- In Cook's absence, quarterback Josh Allen has praised the performances of running backs Ray Davis and Ty Johnson.
- Cook’s return to the field is highly anticipated, as he scored 16 rushing touchdowns and played in 12 out of 17 regular-season games in the 2024 season.
