Running back James Cook continues to cement himself as a valuable piece for the Buffalo Bills offense.
Since being drafted No. 63 overall by the Bills in 2022, the Georgia product has made two Pro Bowls. Cook had one of the best years of his career in 2024, rushing for a career-high 16 touchdowns in 16 regular-season games.
The 25-year-old back is entering the final year of his contract in 2025. The Bills have already extended cornerback Christian Benford, edge-rusher Greg Rousseau, linebacker Terrel Bernard and wide receiver Khalil Shakir. Buffalo's not going to do the same with Cook, though.
Bills general manager Brandon Beane indicated the Bills are not negotiating with Cook for now.
This was certainly the most significant update we heard today from Brandon Beane. Doesn't sound like James Cook will be getting an extension this year from the Bills. #BillsMafia@WKBWpic.twitter.com/LacbFHtAau
— Matthew Bové (@Matt_Bove) March 30, 2025
"I love [James]. Proud of his success just like these other guys that we got extended," Beane said Sunday at the league meetings in Palm Beach, Florida, per Matthew Bove of WKBW-TV in Buffalo. "I don't talk about negotiations. I would say his reps and him did put it out there that we did talk, so I'm not sharing anything new. It didn't lead to anything as far as closing in on a deal, so we moved onto the guys that we're on the same page with. At this point, we're onto the draft ... I don't see us doing deals anytime soon."
On his Instagram in February, Cook said he wants $15 million per year. That salary would make him the third-highest-paid RB in the league behind Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers and Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles.
While Cook is set to hit free agency in 2026, the Bills could still use the franchise or transition tag on the RB.
Related: Bills Biggest Weakness Before Draft Revealed
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This story was originally published March 30, 2025 at 9:08 PM.