The first day of training camp for the Buffalo Bills has come and gone. Now the team focuses on Day 2 and it started off with offensive coordinator Joe Brady speaking to the media and one topic that came up was running back James Cook, who is seeking a contract extension of atleast $15 million per year.
Cook hasn’t been quiet at all this offseason with this contract demand and he is the only notable player from the Bills’ 2022 draft class that has not received an extension. Khalil Shakir, Terrel Bernard, and Christian Benford all have. So, it makes you wonder what the message is from the Bills regarding this setup.
However, Cook is at training camp and is a full participant so all is good…for now.
Under Brady, the Bills offense has thrived and they have a lot of continuity going into this coming season. They averaged over 30 points per game last season and they return a lot of starters along with some new additions like Joshua Palmer and Elijah Moore. Obviously Josh Allen is Brady’s best weapon but behind Allen is James Cook, who is Buffalo’s second best offensive player and it isn’t even close.
Joe Brady's comments proves why Bills must extend James Cook
According to Maddy Glab, Joe Brady spoke with the media and said “running backs are valued on this team and you can see that by how they were used in the offense last year.” Glab also added on that Brady said "they are an extremely important part to the offense."
#Bills OC Joey Brady says running backs are valued on this team and you can see that by how they were used in the offense last year…says they are an extremely important part to the offense
— Maddy Glab (@MadGlab) July 24, 2025
The last thing that this team needs is a contract dispute distraction involving one of their star players. Cook has been dynamic for the Bills the last two seasons and heading into a contract year, he should be rewarded for his contributions. I understand the risk of paying running backs high-end money, especially if they aren’t a Saquon Barkley/Derrick Henry type of player.
However, no one can dispute the fact that Cook is crucial in Buffalo’s success. They are a better team with him on the field and quite frankly, Josh Allen is a better quarterback because Cook takes pressure off of him.
I’m not saying that the Bills should give in right away to Cook’s contract demands. But I am saying that if the Bills lose Cook after this season, it’s going to hurt their offense more than you think.