Buffalo Bills running back James Cook is seeking a major payday as he enters the final year of his rookie contract, reportedly eyeing a salary of $15 million per year. This would place him among the highest-paid running backs in the NFL — a number the Bills have been hesitant to meet.
General manager Brandon Beane confirmed that contract discussions are ongoing, but indicated that the two sides are not currently close to a deal. With no agreement in sight, Buffalo appears ready to let Cook play out the final season of his current contract without an extension in place.
However, a recent contract signed by another elite running back may shift the dynamic in Cook’s favor. The Baltimore Ravens just inked Derrick Henry to a two-year, $40 million extension after he posted nearly 2,000 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns in the 2024 season.
Though Cook doesn’t have Henry’s résumé, he is much younger, which gives his camp a potential bargaining chip. Analysts like Randy Gurzi of SI.com believe Henry’s deal could serve as a new baseline in negotiations across the league — especially for younger backs like Cook aiming to cash in on their peak years.
Cook has remained largely quiet about his contract desires, but he has dropped cryptic hints on social media suggesting he’s aiming for top-tier money. When asked directly about the situation during a media appearance in Las Vegas, he declined to elaborate but didn’t rule out holding out, instead emphasizing that “business is business” and that he plans to support his teammates either way.
The 25-year-old running back has been a key part of Buffalo’s offense, posting back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons — a feat not seen since LeSean McCoy’s time with the team. He also matched Derrick Henry with 16 rushing touchdowns in 2024, giving the Bills a powerful ground threat to pair with quarterback Josh Allen. Whether Buffalo decides to meet Cook’s asking price or let him test free agency remains to be seen.
