While Beane’s outward calm is encouraging, the situation surrounding James Cook is far from settled
Both sides are navigating a delicate dance—Cook wanting deserved compensation and the Bills weighing long-term cap considerations.
Will the Bills commit to Cook long-term? Or will they follow the league-wide trend of letting running backs walk after their rookie deals expire? That remains to be seen.
For now, though, both Beane and Cook appear to be on the same page—focused on 2025, winning games, and letting the future sort itself out.
James Cook’s decision to skip the Bills’ voluntary offseason program might seem minor on the surface, but it could have far-reaching implications for both his future and the franchise’s trajectory.
In today’s NFL, running backs have to fight harder than ever to be seen and paid as essential contributors.
Whether Cook gets the contract he’s looking for or not, his message is clear: He believes he’s one of the best, and he wants to be paid like it. Now it’s up to the Bills to decide whether they agree—and how much that agreement is worth.
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Brandon Beane Remains Unbothered by James Cook’s Contract Situation
As the Buffalo Bills gear up for the 2025 NFL season, a growing storyline is the contract status of their starting running back, James Cook.1
Entering the final year of his rookie deal, Cook has publicly expressed his desire to get paid. Despite that, general manager Brandon Beane isn’t hitting the panic button.
In fact, he’s confident in both Cook’s commitment and the organization’s handling of the situation.
With the 2025 season approaching, James Cook is in a unique position. He’s already demonstrated high-level ability, but now he must do it again with the added pressure of a contract year. It’s the classic NFL scenario—bet on yourself, deliver, and cash in.
I love you Buffalo ❤️💙 https://t.co/UjQlpRcZxg
— James Cook (@thegreat__4) March 4, 2025
A Chance to Prove and Earn
The good news is that Cook appears to be embracing the challenge. Training in South Florida and staying in shape shows he’s not taking the offseason lightly.
His competitive nature, as highlighted by Beane, should serve him well as he prepares to prove his worth.
Cook’s presence in training camp and his performance during the season could have wide-reaching implications for Buffalo. A productive season from him could ease pressure on Josh Allen, open up the play-action game, and help balance the offense.
Conversely, if Cook underperforms or faces injury, the Bills could be left scrambling for answers at a crucial position. That makes his situation not just a financial storyline—but a football one as well.
James Cook’s Rise in Buffalo
James Cook, a former second-round pick out of Georgia, has steadily become a key piece of the Bills’ offense.2
After a modest rookie campaign, Cook took significant strides in 2023 and 2024, showing explosiveness, vision, and pass-catching ability. His ability to both run between the tackles and create mismatches as a receiver has made him a dynamic threat out of the backfield.
Cook finished the 2024 season with over 1,300 total yards and 9 touchdowns, solidifying his role as the lead back. With that level of production, it’s no surprise that Cook is looking for long-term security as he heads into a contract year.
Beane’s Steady Approach
Brandon Beane’s response to questions about Cook’s contract has been level-headed and reassuring.
In a recent interview with Tyler Dunne of Go Long, Beane made it clear that he has full confidence in Cook’s professionalism and work ethic, regardless of whether a new deal is finalized before the season.
“You’d love for everyone to be here,” Beane said. “Who wouldn’t? You’d love them to be around and start forming that bond. But James is working. I know he’s down there training in South Florida. He’s working.”
That statement encapsulates Beane’s calm demeanor. He understands the business side of the league but doesn’t view Cook’s contract situation as a major distraction.
The Reality of NFL Contract Timelines
In the modern NFL, it’s common for players to enter the final year of their rookie contracts without extensions.
While stars like quarterbacks and elite wide receivers often get early deals, running backs operate in a different market. Their shelf life is shorter, and teams are often cautious about committing long-term money to the position.
Cook is set to earn $5.21 million in 2025 before becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2026. While that’s a fair wage under his rookie deal, it pales in comparison to what top-tier backs earn on second contracts.
Players like Christian McCaffrey and Alvin Kamara are making upwards of $12 million annually, a level Cook likely aspires to.
Still, Beane’s stance suggests the team is not rushing to extend Cook prematurely. Instead, they’re allowing the season to play out while keeping communication open.
James Cook’s Perspective: Playing for a Payday
James Cook, for his part, has made no secret of his desire for a new contract. As any player entering a contract year would, he wants to secure his financial future—especially given the physical toll running backs endure.3
That said, Cook hasn’t threatened a holdout or suggested he won’t report to camp. Beane confirmed he expects Cook to be present when training camp opens, another sign that both sides are handling things professionally.
Cook understands the leverage he has. If he replicates or improves on his 2024 performance, he could either land a deal with Buffalo or test the open market in 2026. Either way, the upcoming season is pivotal for his long-term earning potential.
Buffalo’s Backfield Beyond 2025
One factor influencing Beane’s confidence might be the Bills’ depth at the running back position. Behind Cook, the team has promising talent, including rookies and veterans who can step in if needed.
While no one on the roster has Cook’s complete skill set, the presence of capable backups provides some insurance in case negotiations stall or injuries occur.
Still, there’s no denying that Cook is the centerpiece of the Bills’ ground game. His absence would significantly alter the offense’s dynamics, especially as Buffalo continues to reshape its identity following multiple deep playoff runs that came up just short.
Beane’s Track Record With Contract Management
Brandon Beane has earned a reputation as a pragmatic and disciplined general manager. He’s successfully extended cornerstone players like Josh Allen and Tre’Davious White while letting others walk in free agency when the price wasn’t right.
His approach is rooted in long-term roster sustainability. By managing the salary cap meticulously and avoiding emotional decisions, Beane keeps the Bills competitive year after year.
His stance on Cook seems to follow this philosophy—acknowledging the player’s value but not rushing into a deal out of pressure or sentimentality.
The Market for Running Backs: A Complicated Landscape
Cook’s situation also shines a spotlight on the ongoing devaluation of running backs across the league. Over the past few seasons, even elite backs have struggled to secure long-term deals.
Dalvin Cook, Josh Jacobs, and Saquon Barkley are among those who’ve faced contract uncertainty despite strong performances.
This trend isn’t personal—it’s economic. Teams are investing more in the passing game and finding running back production through committee approaches or Day 2 and 3 draft picks.
Cook’s challenge, therefore, isn’t just convincing the Bills he deserves a payday—it’s proving he’s an exception to the current trend.
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James Cook’s Absence Raises Questions About Bills’ Offseason Plans
The Buffalo Bills kicked off their voluntary offseason program without one of their key offensive contributors—Pro Bowl running back James Cook.
Entering the final year of his rookie deal, Cook has opted not to report to the team’s activities, sparking discussion around his future with the franchise and the broader issue of running back compensation in the NFL.
James Cook, a second-round pick (63rd overall) in the 2022 NFL Draft, has significantly outperformed the expectations typically placed on a player drafted outside the first round. In just two seasons, he has evolved into a central piece of the Bills’ offense and earned two Pro Bowl selections.
Cook is currently on the last year of his four-year rookie contract, which pays him a modest base salary by NFL standards.
With his performance in 2023—rushing for 1,009 yards and 16 touchdowns while also contributing 258 yards and 2 scores through the air—it’s no surprise that Cook is now seeking a long-term extension. According to reports, Cook is hoping to secure a deal that reflects his value and production.
The Influence of Dalvin Cook’s Advocacy
- Adding to the pressure is James Cook’s older brother, Dalvin Cook, a former Pro Bowl running back himself.
- Dalvin has publicly stated that James should command a salary in the neighborhood of $20 million per season, placing him among the highest-paid running backs in NFL history.
- While that figure may seem ambitious given the market dynamics for the position, Dalvin’s advocacy highlights the growing frustration among elite running backs who feel underappreciated and undercompensated compared to their peers at other offensive skill positions.
- Over the past few years, the NFL has witnessed a shift in how teams value running backs. Once considered franchise cornerstones, top-tier backs have often struggled to secure lucrative second contracts.
- Players like Ezekiel Elliott, Le’Veon Bell, and even Dalvin Cook himself have either been released, seen their production drop, or failed to live up to the financial expectations of large contracts.
- As a result, general managers have been increasingly cautious when it comes to investing in running backs long-term, citing concerns about injury risk and positional value. This market reality complicates Cook’s negotiations, even though his numbers support the case for a sizable extension.
James Cook‘s Value to Buffalo’s Offense
Cook’s breakout 2023 campaign marked a turning point in the Bills’ offensive identity.
He became more than just a change-of-pace back; he was a workhorse capable of handling goal-line duties, breaking off explosive plays, and catching passes out of the backfield. His versatility made him a dual threat and a nightmare for opposing defenses.
He ranked among the league’s top running backs in total touchdowns and demonstrated consistency even when the Bills’ passing game faced challenges.
It’s no exaggeration to say that Cook was the engine that kept Buffalo’s offense running smoothly at several key points in the season.
What Happens If Cook Doesn’t Get Paid?
If negotiations don’t lead to a new deal, several scenarios could unfold. Cook could continue to skip team activities, possibly missing mandatory minicamp or even holding out of training camp.
While such moves come with financial penalties, they also increase the pressure on the team to respond.
Another option would be for the Bills to apply the franchise tag after the 2024 season, although this would likely reignite the debate around fair compensation for running backs.
Alternatively, Cook could simply play out his rookie deal and test the free-agent market in 2025, though that route comes with its own risks, including potential injury.
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The Bills’ Cap Situation and Strategic Outlook
From a financial standpoint, the Bills must weigh Cook’s demands against their overall salary cap structure. With big-money contracts already allocated to quarterback Josh Allen and several defensive stars, the front office has limited flexibility.
However, investing in a player like Cook could be viewed as a way to support Allen and maintain offensive balance.
A long-term deal would also send a message to other young players on the roster that performance is rewarded—something that builds trust within the locker room.
A Trend Among Top Running Backs
Cook is not alone in his quest for a long-term deal. In recent years, several high-performing running backs have pushed back against the trend of being undervalued.
Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs, and Tony Pollard are among those who’ve faced similar contract stand-offs.
The NFL Players Association has even discussed broader efforts to improve the value and longevity of running back careers, including adjustments to rookie contract structures. Cook’s situation is emblematic of a larger movement within the league.
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