#Bills coach Sean McDermott tells reporters that newly signed edge Joey Bosa pulled his calf and will more than likely be sidelined until training camp. RB James Cook, seeking a new deal, is not present.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 27, 2025
Cook has been unhappy with his contract all offseason. He's about to enter the final season of his rookie deal and has been extension eligible since the beginning of the new league year.
Cook is set to earn a modest $5.346 million this season. Running backs have a notoriously short shelf life, so securing his future while his value is at its peak makes sense for the 25-year-old.
Cook is already a two-time Pro Bowler in his young career, and given his production through 49 games (3521 yards from scrimmage and 27 total touchdowns), he's likely looking for a deal that would make him one of the highest-paid running backs in the league.
Philadelphia Eagles superstar Saquon Barkley recently signed a two-year, $41.2 million extension that made him the league's highest-paid back, but that contract is well out of reach for Cook. Barkley's 125.3 rushing yards per game last season nearly doubled Cook's 63.1.
Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry is also fresh off a two-year, $30 million extension after a scintillating 2024 season. Henry is a more accomplished player than Cook and is also coming off a more impressive season, but he's also significantly older, having turned 31 in January. A similar deal with more years could be a fair compromise for Cook and the Bills.
Still, that's assuming Cook hasn't overplayed his hand. If the Bills decide to play hardball, Cook could become an intriguing trade candidate for a team with a need at running back and cap space to spare. The Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Chargers, and Jacksonville Jaguars could all make sense, particularly if he could be had for a mid-round pick.
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