The Buffalo Bills have a looming James Cook problem. Both sides are at a contract standstill, and neither side seems to want to budge. At this point, we may see Cook play out the final year of his rookie contract and test free agency in 2026. If so, the Bills may have to brace for Cook to play elsewhere.
While there was speculation that Cook may hold out of minicamp this week as he awaits a new deal, Cook returned to Buffalo and participated in their final phase of off-season workouts. Despite that, there’s no guarantee he will play in Buffalo past 2024. So, let’s look ahead to some James Cook replacements in 2026.
Pending 2026 free agent RBs who could replace James Cook
Isiah Pacheco
After coming back from his leg injury that knocked him out of most of the 2024 season, Pacheco returned to his old self sharing the backfield with Kareem Hunt in Kansas City. In seven games, Pacheco totaled 310 yards and one touchdown on 83 rushes.
Pacheco will be 27 years old once the 2026 season begins, giving him a good few years left in his prime. With another good season, Pacheco may have a hefty asking price, which would be difficult to convince a team that doesn't want to pay James Cook $17M what Pacheco would ask for.
Travis Etienne
Etienne is an interesting option. After a solid start to his career in 2022-2023, the Jacksonville Jaguars started to phase him out of their offense with Tank Bigsby last season. Etienne is still a good back, but a change of scenery is likely in the cards, whether that’s this year or in 2026.
The Jaguars drafted two running backs this year, including LeQuint Allen and Bhayshul Tuten. Improving their run game has clearly been a top priority this off-season, and that likely forces Etienne out of Jacksonville.
Kyren Williams
Williams has been one of the best backs in the league, but with the Los Angeles Rams beginning to rebuild, the Rams may let Kyren Williams walk after 2025. With Blake Corum in town, and running pretty well last year, the Rams may have their new guy in the backfield. Corum showed flashes at the end of last season, and with a strong year this year, he could help force Kyren out of LA.
Brian Robinson Jr
Letting Brian Robinson Jr walk shouldn’t be in the realm of possibilities for the Washington Commanders, but if they handle the backfield like they did last year, Robinson may leave on his own. Robinson Jr finished last year with 799 yards and eight touchdowns on 187 rushing attempts.
Bringing Robinson into a backfield with Ray Davis and Ty Johnson would do wonders for the unit, and might be the most effective James Cook replacement. If he has a similar season as he did in 2024, Buffalo will be able to bring him in cheaper than Cook would cost.