The Buffalo Bills just gave running back James Cook a big payday after a protracted negotiation, but could already be on track to give him a raise.
Cook signed a four-year, $48 million contract extension last season that included $30 million in guaranteed money. The contract came after weeks of hints from Cook that he wanted a big payday and speculation that the team could move on rather than pay him.
James Cook Still Underpaid
Cook rewarded the team with the first rushing title in more than 50 years, and now could be on track for more money.
Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon identified the most underpaid player on every team, identifying Cook as the member of the Bills most in need of a salary bump — even after his raise last year.
“The 26-year-old celebrates his third consecutive season in this spot,” Gagnon wrote. Productive running backs on rookie deals are special, and Cook is the definition of that. He’s gone over 1,200 scrimmage yards in three consecutive seasons and has scored 32 touchdowns the last two years combined, but the second-team All-Pro will rank 19th among backs with a $5.9 million salary-cap hit in 2026.”
That unexpected warning could put the Bills on track for another potential contract showdown with Cook, who is locked down through 2029 on his latest deal. Any further conflict would be difficult for the Bills, who are already tight against the salary cap and needed to part ways with several veteran players this offseason to create new cap space.
Bills Place High Value on James Cook
While Gagnon’s report suggests the Bills could face a showdown at some point over money, there are no immediate hints of discontent from the star running back. After Cook signed his contract extension last year, general manager Brandon Beane shared praise for all the running back means to the team.
Beane said he is an integral part of a versatile group of skill players on offense.
“We like what [Cook] provides, and we do see him as a three-down-type player and we think he could take more, but we also want to use our other weapons and keep him as fresh as possible,” Beane said, via ESPN. “We think that’s the best utilization of him, and we just look at, I know he gets put in the running back room or guys get put in a tight end room, but it’s just trying to find a variety of weapons and skill sets and he’s got a skill set that we wanted to maintain and keep with this offense.”
Though Cook — and his brother, fellow NFL back Dalvin Cook — exerted some public pressure on the Bills and floated a goal of making $15 million per season, James Cook ultimately said he was pleased with last year’s negotiations.
“I wouldn’t say [the process was] difficult,” Cook said. “I handled it the right way I felt like, and all in all, we got stuff done.”
Cook also earned praise from teammates during the season, with reigning MVP Josh Allen making the case that Cook deserved his own MVP award for the 2025 season.
Bills Hit With Unexpected Warning on RB James Cook