Buffalo’s star running back is looking for a payday that the Bills may not be able to fulfill.
Amid reports that the Buffalo Bills’ two-time Pro Bowl running back is seeking upwards of $15 million per year in an extension, the Bills might have to look at other options moving forward.
To some degree, any feelings of panic – and maybe any list that collects potential replacements – is premature, as Cook has one year left on his rookie deal at a $5.62 million salary.
But eventually? Cook has his goal. It’s a pricy one. And it merits a bar-room discussion of whether Buffalo should move on.
If Cook were to make $15 million a season, he would be the NFL’s second-highest paid running back by average annual salary, trailing former Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey, who nets $19 million per annum.
If the Bills have to move on – or, better said, want to do so – there are a few potentially enticing options hitting the open market.
SI has tossed out some speculative names. Here – again, while reiterating that this is not yet an “emergency” – our thoughts …
The cream of the crop is likely to be Minnesota Vikings’ back Aaron Jones. Jones had an injury-riddled 2023, but had a massive bounce-back campaign, rushing for 1,138 yards and pulling in 408 receiving yards.
Despite his production, Jones’ salary could end up being rather team-friendly, as Jones has now entered the wrong side of 30 after celebrating his 30th birthday in December.
Jones might not end up being available, as he and the Vikings agreed to push his void date to right before free agency opens up, allowing the team to have more time to reach an extension with him.
Another back who has dealt with injuries but could be an exciting option is former Ohio State standout J.K. Dobbins. Having played just nine games from 2021 to 2023, and missing four games this season, Dobbins’ health is a massive concern. However, 2024 was his healthiest in quite some time.
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Production has never been the issue with Dobbins, who averages 5.2 yards-per-carry in his career, and ran for just shy of 70 yards per game this season for the Chargers.
In terms of name-value, none of the available options seem better than Nick Chubb. Chubb, however, has also had his fair share of injuries, from a torn MCL and ACL last season and a broken foot this season, Chubb has suited up just 10 times in the last two seasons.
Chubb, at the right price, would be a low-risk-high-reward option, as prior to his injury struggles, Chubb ran for 1,000 yards in four consecutive seasons, while just missing the mark with 996 yards in his rookie season, where he didn’t earn the starting spot until Week 6.
Chubb struggled when healthy this season, running for just 3.3 yards per carry on his 102 attempts. Chubb averaged 5.3 yards per carry prior to this season.
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San Francisco 49ers’ breakout back Jordan Mason is also on the market this year, although he has a special circumstance. He’s a restricted free agent, so while other teams are able to negotiate with him, the Niners have the right of first refusal and can match any offer sheet he signs.
Mason ran for 783 yards this year, including a 78-yard performance against the Bills before suffering a high ankle sprain that ended his season. Mason ran for 5.2 yards per cary this season, and in his three NFL seasons has averaged 5.3.
In the end, none of these ideas