After weeks of uncertainty and a headline-grabbing “hold-in,” Cook’s return to full practice sent a wave of excitement through training camp. The 25-year-old, drafted by Buffalo in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, made his intentions clear: “James could only envision himself as a Buffalo Bill,” his agent Zac Hiller declared to Adam Schefter. The organization echoed that sentiment, with head coach Sean McDermott and general manager Brandon Beane both expressing their desire to keep Cook in Buffalo’s backfield for years to come.
Cook’s rise has been meteoric. Last season, he exploded for 1,009 rushing yards on 207 carries, tallying a jaw-dropping 16 rushing touchdowns—a mark that not only tied him for the league lead with stars like Derrick Henry and Jahmyr Gibbs, but also matched the most ever by a Bill in a single season since O.J. Simpson’s legendary 1975 campaign. Cook also flashed his versatility, adding 32 receptions for 258 yards and two more scores, cementing his status as one of the most dynamic dual-threat backs in football.
The new deal—$12 million per year—places Cook among the NFL’s running back elite, tied with Josh Jacobs and trailing only superstars like Saquon Barkley and Christian McCaffrey in annual salary. His $30 million guaranteed is the third-highest at the position. For Buffalo, a team with Super Bowl aspirations led by MVP-caliber quarterback Josh Allen, locking up Cook ensures the offensive arsenal remains one of the most feared in the league.
Cook’s journey to this moment has been marked by steady growth and relentless determination. After a promising rookie campaign, he surged to 1,122 rushing yards in 2023 before erupting in 2024. He became the first Bill since LeSean McCoy (2016-17) to post back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, and his two straight Pro Bowl selections are a testament to his impact. In the playoffs, Cook continued to dazzle, piling up 272 rushing yards and three touchdowns in just three games.
The deal also brings relief after a tense standoff that saw Cook attend camp but refuse to participate in drills, citing “business” reasons. The standoff ended just in time for preseason action, with Cook suiting up and rejoining his teammates on the field—a sight that brought visible relief to coaches, teammates, and fans alike. As Buffalo eyes another deep postseason run, having Cook back in the fold is nothing short of crucial.
With 2,638 rushing yards, 20 rushing touchdowns, and 883 receiving yards in his first three years, Cook has already etched his name into the franchise’s history books. Now, with his future secured, the stage is set for him to continue rewriting records in Orchard Park. The contract isn’t just a reward for past performance—it’s a statement of faith in Cook’s ability to be the engine of the Bills’ offense for years to come.
For more on Cook’s extension and behind-the-scenes photos of the signing, check out the official Bills photo gallery.