The Buffalo Bills and Pro Bowl running back James Cook have agreed on a four-year, $48 million contract extension, according to multiple reports.
The deal comes with $30 million guaranteed, just a day after Cook ended his nine-day hold-in that began on Aug. 3. Cook has been vocal throughout the offseason about his desire for a contract that paid him $15 million per season.
In the end, the fourth-year running back and the Bills met at $12 million per season. The only NFL running back with more guaranteed money than Cook is All-Pro Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley.
Cook had a breakout season in 2024, leading the NFL with 16 touchdowns. He averaged 4.9 yards per carry while running for 1,0009 yards. He added 32 catches for 258 yards and two receiving touchdowns.
The contract standoff between the Bills and Cook began in May when the running back opted not to attend the voluntary spring workout period. Cook finally arrived for mandatory minicamp and told reporters that his plan was to attend training camp. He was true to his word, reporting for camp on July 23 and practicing every day during the first week. Cook started sitting out at the halfway point of camp as the two sides continued to discuss a new contract.
Bills general manager Brandon Beane has mantained the position that the team wanted to sign Cook to a longterm deal.
"James is a competitive dude, he’s a stud, he is a great teammate. He wants to be here, he loves ball," Beane said on July 23. “Of course, who doesn’t want to get paid? And that’s the hard part of this job is I do want to pay them all. I mean, I really do, especially the ones that are working hard, they’re producing on the field. Their teammates love them, the fans love them. Like, James fits Buffalo. But sometimes you can’t get on the same page or sometimes you’re trying to fit it in.”
The Los Angeles Rams and running back Kyren Williams agreed to a three-year, $33 million contract extension last week. Cook’s deal comes in with slightly more guaranteed money and one extra year, although it’s important to wait to see the final structure of the deal to truly understand the salary cap impact.
Cook always seemed confident a deal would materialize.
“I mean, however it happens, it’s going to get done, wherever it happens,” Cook said at the start of camp. “I deserve what I want, what I need, and it’s eventually going to happen.”
The Bills practice on Wednesday before traveling down to Chicago for a joint practice with the Bears on Friday and a preseason game on Sunday.
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