The Buffalo Bills have a tough decision ahead: should they pay running back James Cook top-tier money to keep him in Buffalo, or should they let him test free agency? Cook, coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons and an NFL-best 18 total touchdowns in 2024, is reportedly seeking a contract worth $15+ million per year. That price tag would place him among the highest-paid backs in the league, alongside Christian McCaffrey and Saquon Barkley. With Buffalo still chasing a Super Bowl, NFL analyst Eric Edholm believes retaining Cook should be a priority. However, with backup Ray Davis and third-down specialist Ty Johnson also in the mix, the Bills’ front office has to decide if Cook’s value justifies such a significant cap investment.
Buffalo Bills Must Decide If James Cook Is Worth a $15M Per Year Deal
James Cook, currently entering the final year of his rookie contract, is set to count $5.7 million against the Bills’ 2025 salary cap. If extended at his asking price, he’d become one of the highest-paid backs in football. NFL Media analyst Eric Edholm addressed the situation on One Bills Live, explaining why Buffalo should strongly consider paying Cook.
“The running back market for years has been depressed, in terms of the financial element of it. I think we’re seeing a little bit of a cycling back of the run game in the NFL,” Edholm said. “If his reported price is around $15 million, that puts him, not at the top, but very close to the top. I think off the top of my head, only Saquon Barkley and Christian McCaffrey would average more than that. That would be a deal very similar to what Jonathan Taylor received.”
Despite playing only about 50% of offensive snaps, Cook remained highly productive, though the Bills didn’t lean on him as a workhorse. He carried the ball 15+ times in just four games last season, while Davis and Johnson contributed in complementary roles.
Meanwhile, general manager Brandon Beane hasn’t reported any real negotiation progress. That leaves Buffalo with key questions: Is Cook worth top-tier money, or can the offense thrive with a committee approach?
Buffalo’s Super Bowl Window is Open—But for How Long?
With Josh Allen at quarterback and the Bills still in Super Bowl contention, Edholm believes now is the time to keep core talent. “As the Bills are still in that Super Bowl window, if you will, whatever that means, I still think you have to consider keeping players like that, even if you have a Ray Davis or a Ty Johnson,” he said.
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Ultimately, the Bills must decide if paying Cook helps them win now—or if they’re better off spreading resources elsewhere. Either way, the clock is ticking.