Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane provided an update on contract talks with James Cook, and it’s probably not what the standout running back wanted to hear.
Beane told reporters Sunday the Bills spoke with Cook’s agency earlier in the offseason but made no progress toward an extension. Instead, the front office worked to complete new deals for wide receiver Khalil Shakir, defensive end Greg Rousseau, linebacker Terrel Bernard and cornerback Christian Benford.
This was certainly the most significant update we heard today from Brandon Beane. Doesn't sound like James Cook will be getting an extension this year from the Bills. #BillsMafia @WKBW pic.twitter.com/LacbFHtAau
— Matthew BovΓ© (@Matt_Bove) March 30, 2025
Given Buffalo’s tight situation in regards to the salary capβit currently has about $4.5 million in space (via OverTheCap) and must still account for signing draft picksβit’s now highly unlikely Cook will receive an extension before the 2025 NFL season kicks off.
Bills News: James Cook Contract Talks Stalled
James Cook’s Asking Price
Cook has made it clear throughout the offseason he’s seeking $15 million annually. That’s nearly triple the $5.7 million he’s scheduled to earn in 2025. He’s entering the final year of his rookie contract. The Bills would have the option to use the franchise tag on him next offseason.
So, Buffalo has a year to decide whether to pay the 25-year-old Miami native or let him hit free agency. Based on current contracts, the two-time Pro Bowler would rank third behind the Philadelphia Eagles‘ Saquon Barkley ($20.6 million) and San Francisco 49ers‘ Christian McCaffrey ($19 million) in average salary if the team matched his asking price, per Spotrac.
Cook certainly deserves a raise. He’s coming off a 2024 campaign where he ranked tied for second in total touchdowns by a non-quarterback (18). His 2,834 yards from scrimmage over the past two years ranks eighth in the NFL.
EVERY. JAMES. COOK. HIGHLIGHT. THIS. SEASON
THE COOK, WAS IN THE KITCHEN π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯ pic.twitter.com/JMhelE7xN4
— BillsMuse (@BillsMusee) January 30, 2025
Yet, $15 million is a lot to pay a running back who isn’t on an MVP level like Barkley and McCaffrey. Quarterback Josh Allen is the team’s offensive cornerstone. It could make negotiations difficult if that’s a firm asking price and, based on the lack of progress during initial talks, it seems that may be the case. At least for now.
Is A James Cook Holdout Inevitable?
The Bills are prepared to let Cook play out the final year of his rookie deal and go from there. As a result, the running back and his representatives must decide the next step. The only remaining way to gain leverage would be holding out.
There are risks involved with that approach, of course. Beane could decide to call their bluff and allow Cook to remain sidelined. There’s also a real chance it would fracture the relationship between team and player beyond repair, ending any hope of a long-term deal.
Next step in the James Cook track likely comes from Cook, as he decides whether or not he wants to mention/flirt with skipping OTA/Camps to try to pressure the Bills a bit.
Remember, fines brought against a player missing those on a rookie deal can be waived/rescinded.
— Jeremy White π (@JeremyWGR) March 31, 2025
So, a lot comes down to the University of Georgia product’s preferences. Is he willing to sacrifice some salary to remain with a championship contender like the Bills? Or does he want to maximize his contract value at the peak of his productive years? The answer likely decides his fate in Buffalo.
It’s hard to blame a running back for trying to cash in while they can, though. The position’s shelf life in the NFL is incredibly short. If Cook doesn’t secure a lucrative, long-term extension within the next few years, it’s possible he never does.
One final point to this conversation: the Bills hate negotiating in public. Beane made a point to note he’s only discussing the situation because Cook and his reps did first. Continuing to float that $15 million figure on social media isn’t the right play if the running back wants to stay in Buffalo.
Bills RB Depth Chart Analysis
The Bills will probably stick with what’s already on their roster if Cook holds out. Ray Davis, Frank Gore Jr. and Darrynton Evans would compete in training camp for the early-down role, while Ty Johnson would handle a lion’s share of the third-down snaps. There won’t be a high-profile trade for a veteran.
James Cook's lack of 3-down ability is what has prevented him from getting paid and helped Ty Johnson get his contract extension.
— πππ€π’ππ¨ πΏππππͺπ¨ (@TheThomasDeLaus) March 30, 2025
That said, one thing may change if Cook is trending toward a holdout: Buffalo’s draft approach. As it stands, Beane may not select a running back as part of this year’s class. That outlook may be different if it appears their No. 1 rusher isn’t going to show up for camp, though.
The Bills still wouldn’t take a running back early, but it’s possible they’d grab one of the middle or late rounds as a minimal-investment insurance policy.
All told, the Bills offense in 2025 will be more dangerous if Cook is on the field. He’s an elusive runner who can get to the second level far better than any other back on the roster. Any suggestion there wouldn’t be a drop off without him is misguided.
Yet, Buffalo’s limited financial flexibility will force it to make tough decisions in the coming years. Not giving Cook an extension may be one of those choices. The likelihood of that outcome increases if the running back continues to negotiate in public.
Main Photo: Denny Medley – Imagn Images
