Bills, RB James Cook agree to $48 million extension
After a lengthy hold-in, James Cook and the Buffalo Bills finally have a deal.
On Wednesday, Cook agreed to an extension with the Bills. He'll sign a four-year, $48 million deal to remain in Buffalo, getting $30 million guaranteed on his new contract.
Cook had been in attendance at training camp but he was not participating in practice until Tuesday. He returned to the field and was a full participant, a sign that there was a positive development in contract talks between his agent and the team.
Cook, who's in his fourth season in the NFL, was seeking a raise before his rookie deal expired at the end of the 2025 campaign. He certainly got one, bumping his salary up to $12 million per year.
That puts him tied with Josh Jacobs as the sixth-highest-paid running back in the NFL based on annual salary. His $30 million guaranteed is the third-most at the position, with the total value tied for the highest of any running back in the NFL, matching Jacobs' number.
Last season, Cook rushed for 1,009 yards on just 207 carries, leading the NFL with 16 rushing touchdowns. He earned his second straight Pro Bowl selection thanks to his 1,267 scrimmage yards and 18 total touchdowns.
In 2023, he set a career-high with 1,567 yards from scrimmage, but he only scored six total touchdowns that year and had four fumbles. Considered one of the most explosive backs in football, the Bills keep him in the backfield behind Josh Allen as yet another weapon in this loaded offense.
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