When the Buffalo Bills decided to sign league MVP Josh Allen to the longest guaranteed money for a player, the organization knew they were prioritizing the future of the franchise.
No one could argue that Allen was deserving of the six-year, $330 million deal. Especially after leading Buffalo to the conference title game last season.
One part that gets missed with the deal, though, is that while the guarantees are large, the new deal makes Allen the second highest-paid quarterback in football history on a per-year average. The $55 million is behind Dak Prescott for most in league history.
There's a clear sign with that too. A sign that should fall on the doorstep of the team's top running back.
Former Georgia star turned Pro Bowl caliber running back James Cook is looking for a lucrative new contract worth well over $15 million per year. The contract can be seen as an overpay at this point in his career.
Cook has recorded over 1,000 yards rushing in back-to-back seasons and even led the league in rushing touchdowns during the 2024 campaign.
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But in a league where the running back position continues to be devalued in terms of overall importance, and with plenty other personnel to pay, the Bills could very well look at Cook as a very good player that may not be worth the contract he wants.
And if that were to be the case, it's up to Cook to decide if he wants to play for a consistent playoff contender like the Bills or get paid a higher amount by other organizations around the league that may not be ready to compete for a title.
Allen understood that reality. It's time for Cook to as well.
Related: Bills' Savvy Signing Adds Needed Defensive Line Depth
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This story was originally published March 13, 2025 at 10:00 PM.