
Reports: Bills RB James Cook agrees to 4-year, $48M extension
Two-time Pro Bowl running back James Cook and the Buffalo Bills reached agreement on a four-year, $48 million contract extension with $30 million guaranteed, multiple media outlets reported on Wednesday morning.
The deal makes Cook the seventh highest-paid running back in the NFL based on new money per season.
The news comes one day after Cook opted to participate in practice for the first time since he informed the team of plans to sit out as part of a "business" decision tied to his expiring contract.
"James could only envision himself as a Buffalo Bill," Cook's agent Zac Hiller said, per ESPN. "We are extremely thankful to the entire Bills organization and glad we could make that happen."
Head coach Sean McDermott noted before Tuesday's morning practice that things had changed with the Cook-Bills situation, but didn't elaborate or provide context to his statement.
Cook, 25, had 16 rushing touchdowns and scored in 12 of the Bills' 17 regular-season games in 2024.
He has rushed for 2,638 yards and 20 touchdowns and caught 97 passes for 883 yards and seven scores in 49 games since being drafted in the second round in 2022.
Cook dressed but did not play in the preseason opener last week, a 34-25 loss to the New York Giants. In his absence, the Bills turned to Ray Davis and Ty Johnson. Frank Gore Jr. put up 50 receiving yards on a team-best five receptions and had 21 rushing yards.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Reuters
2 days ago
- Reuters
Matteo Berrettini withdraws from U.S. Open
August 14 - Italian Matteo Berrettini will not play in the U.S. Open when it begins later this month in New York. Once the World No. 6 player, Berrettini has not competed since his five-set loss to Kamil Majchrzak of Poland in the first round at Wimbledon in June. He previously had retired at the French Open with an oblique injury. Berrettini now is ranked No. 59. His best finish at the U.S. Open came in 2019, when he lost to eventual champion Rafael Nadal in the semifinal round. He also reached the quarterfinals in 2021 and 2022. On the 2025 season, the 29-year-old Berrettini has a 13-11 record. --Field Level Media


The Sun
2 days ago
- The Sun
Households have weeks left to apply for £200 cash boost to help with bills
HOUSEHOLDS should get in quick to apply for a £200 government cash boost that can help with bills. There are just weeks left to apply for the money coming through the UK Government's Household Support Fund. It is intended to help residents most in need with their everyday essentials, such as food and energy bills. The Household Support Fund also helps prevent people from falling into financial crisis, or going further into it. Residents in Portsmouth may also be able to benefit from the new Utilities Scheme that is being opened by the Council, using funding from the Household Support Fund. This scheme is targeted at certain groups who are most likely to be struggling from the rising energy and water bills. The funding is available to specified low-income household types, which are subject to Portsmouth City Council's minimum income thresholds. These households include those who are: Following income thresholds apply of: £935 for a single adult household £1,350 for a couple or family (including single parent families) A payment may also be made of £150 for a single person household, or £200 for a couple or family where eligible. Families can get FREE washing machines, fridges and kids' beds or £200 payments this summer – and you can apply now This new Utilities Payment Scheme is expected to launch at the end of summer, and those eligible can register their interest online by submitting an expression of interest form. Portsmouth City Council also has available the Exception Hardship Scheme, for those in severe financial hardship and unable to afford essentials. Those looking to apply will need to provide evidence of income and bank accounts. You will also need to explain what you have been doing to improve your financial situation, and why you need help. There are four application windows to apply. First window - now closed Second window - now open Third window - opens in October Fourth window - opens in January The second window, which is currently open, will close at midday on Monday, September 1. There is a limited pot of funding for the Exception Hardship Scheme, and the window round have been distributed. The Council is also providing various support schemes for families, including a £50 supermarket voucher for children eligible, and years R to 11 benefits related to free school meals. Applications must be submitted for this by 12 noon on September 25, with limited funding also being given out. It comes as households in North Northamptonshire have been able to also apply for the government's Household Support Fund after the deadline was extended multiple times.

South Wales Argus
2 days ago
- South Wales Argus
Burghley still the pinnacle, says Townend
The Shropshire-based former world number one first competed in the historic 5* event in 2004 and has since gone on to claim nine CCI5* victories throughout his career. Despite winning team gold at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, the 42-year-old claimed a victory at Burghley was the real dream as he prepares to compete for the title once again in September. 'Burghley is the iconic event of our sport. It's got such history with the house and it's a really special event from a horse point of view because of the terrain,' he said. 'To win Burghley three times is something that has never really sunk in. It's a bit weird even saying, and especially hearing it, because it's such a difficult thing to do. 'It's a childhood dream. It's what every event rider wants to win in the world, or should want to win in the world. 'To have actually done that is very, very special.' Competing across three disciplines of cross-country, show jumping and dressage, eventing is the ultimate equestrian test and there is no more iconic setting than Burghley. When Huddersfield-born Townend first won in 2009 on Carousel Quest, it marked a particularly memorable win as it came at a pivotal time in his career. 'I was only 26 and had just won Badminton Horse Trials, had won a very valuable class in Cardiff at the Millenium Stadium and just bought a farm,' he recalled. 'So it was a bit of a whirlwind for a normal person from the outskirts of Huddersfield to all of a sudden winning a lot of money, buying a farm then winning Badminton and then Burghley. 'I was definitely on a roll and flying high. No wonder I lost the plot for a day or two after that. It was special and it was a very good, happy time and a very big party time in our lives. 'The day after I won Burghley I was due to go on Ready, Steady, Cook down in London. I woke up in the clothes I was partying in, someone picked me up and I went on the TV in the same clothes I was wearing the night before. They were pretty wild times.' But Townend, who has won 101 FEI competitions and 13 British national titles, proved he could sustain such form with a sparkling career. Having most recently won at Burghley in 2023 on Ballaghmor Class, he will return once more and face the new challenge of a reversed cross-country course for the 2025 event. But Townend no doubt will relish the challenge as the last time the course ran in this direction, he took the victory in 2017 - Ballaghmor Class' first in the competition. 'I'm very excited [about the change of direction]. Hopefully it bodes well that the course is running the way it is this time,' he said. 'I think it's going to make it even more of a stamina test. I've not seen the course obviously, but I think that you go up Winner's Avenue pretty early on which is a pretty long, big hill. 'So whoever wins Burghley this year, it's going to be a hard-fought competition.' He will have tough competition with reigning champion Ros Canter expected to be back to defend her crown. But Townend knows as well as anyone else just what it takes to win at an event that represents the pinnacle of his sport. 'It takes a very special horse and rider combination to win it,' he asserted. 'It's basically the ultimate equine athlete and for a lot of things to go right in preparation and on the day.' Defender Burghley Horse Trials (4-7 September 2025) has been a major international sporting and social event for over 50 years. It attracts the world's top equestrians and is attended by vast and enthusiastic crowds. For more information visit