Editor’s note: This is the fourth of a five-part roundtable series previewing Buffalo Bills training camp. Today’s question: What’s the prediction on the future of running back James Cook, who is entering the final year of his contract?
James Cook
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook is entering the final season of his four-year contract. Harry Scull Jr., Buffalo News
Katherine Fitzgerald: I can see James Cook leaving in free agency.
It’s a tough world out there, these days, for running backs. With an impressive season, Cook could play his way to an extension, but if he is not able to get the money he wants in Buffalo – which seems quite possible – I foresee him walking.
More and more, running backs are viewed as expendable in the NFL. If the Bills can get a productive season out of second-year back Ray Davis, who had 631 yards from scrimmage as a rookie, they could look to him for future seasons.
Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins (copy) (copy)
Buffalo Bills running back Ray Davis runs for a touchdown after a catch against the Miami Dolphins on Nov. 3, 2024, at Highmark Stadium. Davis, who had 631 yards from scrimmage as a rookie, goes into this season as the Bills’ No. 2 running back. Joshua Bessex, Buffalo News
The Bills opted not to draft a running back this year, despite a deep pool of prospects, but that doesn’t mean they can’t pick up a solid back in next year’s draft.
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Cook is well-liked by his teammates and coaches, and he has solid chemistry with the offense. Those both play in his favor, but I think he would have to take a team-friendly deal to stay in Buffalo. Based off this offseason, I’m not sure he would budge on his requests. From the Bills’ perspective, there are other routes besides just Jimbo.
Jay Skurski: Cook will play out this season, providing valuable information in regards to what his next contract will look like.
The prediction here is his snap count goes up, cooler heads prevail and the two sides come together on a short-term contract extension, something in the range of three years for $30 million.
A high guarantee on a deal like that makes sense for Cook because it is more than he would get if the Bills used the franchise tag on him. It also makes sense for the Bills, because it somewhat minimizes the risk that comes with a long-term deal at such a rugged position.
Cook was the best offensive player on the field in the AFC championship game for the Bills – and that includes quarterback Josh Allen. Cook’s coaches, teammates and general manager Brandon Beane have all repeatedly discussed how much they love him.
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It’s good business to take care of your own, and the salary cap continues to go up. Beane hasn’t paid a running back before, but if Cook backs up his 2024 with another strong season, it’s time for Beane to do just that.
Lance Lysowski: The Bills will franchise-tag Cook next offseason, then trade the two-time Pro Bowler once it becomes evident the two sides can’t agree on a long-term contract.
Cook’s presence at mandatory minicamp last month indicates he’ll be a full participant when training camp begins July 23. He doesn’t want to pay exorbitant fines in an attempt to gain leverage in contract negotiations with the Bills.
Cook’s best short-term option is to try to convince Beane to give him more guaranteed money in 2025, then use the final season of his rookie contract to prove that he can be a three-down back.
It is difficult for a Super Bowl contender with an expensive MVP quarterback and several expensive long-term contracts for other core players to justify spending at least $15 million per season on a running back who played 48% of Buffalo’s offensive snaps in 2024.
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Ultimately, I don’t envision the two sides coming to a long-term agreement. The Bills will buy time with the tag, then trade him for a pick and select his possible replacement in the 2026 draft.
Ryan O’Halloran: OK, the scoreboard says: 1.) he leaves as a free agent; 2.) he re-signs; and 3.) he is tagged/traded.
Let’s get crazy, folks, because it’s July, and because I’m not running the Bills’ personnel department.
Beane should call the first team in camp that suffers a loss at running back and offer Cook for a package that starts with a 2026 second-round pick.
Ray Davis would become the starter, Ty Johnson would remain the third-down/two-minute back and a to-be-determined player would be a role option. All the while, the Bills would be well-positioned to draft a back next year.
Crazy enough for ya?
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