This coming season is a massive one for the Buffalo Bills. After exceeding expectations in 2024, Buffalo buffed up their defense with talent and lots of depth to have it ready for the postseason. After all, it’s the unit that has broken the hearts of Bills fans seeing as how they gave up a lot of points in their playoff losses the last five seasons.
While the defense has a lot more promise, the Bills’ offense has little to no issues going into this season in terms of talent. However, there has been a major contract dispute with running back James Cook who is entering the final year of his rookie contract. There’s been a big debate on running backs over the last few years and whether or not they should get a big-sized contract.
Up until last season where we saw Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry, and Josh Jacobs thrive with new teams on good-sized deals, running backs were devalued. Now, not so much anymore and Cook is holding his ground of wanting no less than $15 million per year.
Some Bills fans want Cook to get paid while others are willing to let him walk rather than getting a big contract from the Bills. One thing that we can’t deny though is that the Bills offense is better with Cook on the field.
NFL analyst is a big believer in James Cook for 2025 (but not for the reason you may think)
Dan Parr from NFL.com recently listed one player from each AFC team to root for in 2025 and Parr listed Cook for the Bills. However, Parr didn’t list Cook in hopes that he could help the Bills win their first franchise Super Bowl but because Parr is hoping that Cook gets paid (whether it’s from the Bills or someone else).
"Playing in an offense led by Josh Allen and bolstered by a strong offensive line undoubtedly helps, but so does Cook’s playmaking ability out of the backfield. Given the position he plays, Cook’s unlikely to see many bites at the contractual apple, so I’m rooting for him to stay healthy and get the lucrative new deal he’s earned."Dan Parr, NFL.com
Parr is correct about Cook deserving to get paid. When you rush for back-to-back 1,000+ yards and had 18 total touchdowns last season, you have a case to get paid good money. Not to mention, Cook also averaged 4.9 yards per carry without being a true three-down back, per Pro Football Reference.
However, everyone’s definition of “good money” is different and that’s what causes the conversation about whether or not Cook should get paid by the Bills. Let’s put it this way, without Cook, Buffalo’s rushing attack isn’t much of a threat. Over the last two seasons, Cook has become a crucial playmaker for the Bills. So unless Buffalo is a big believer in Ray Davis moving forward after 2025, they may need to pay up a bit to keep Cook in Buffalo beyond the 2025 season.