Bills end contract talks with RB James Cook

Field Level Media|published: Mon 31st March, 15:17 2025

NFL: AFC Championship-Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs

Jan 26, 2025; Kansas City, MO, USA; Buffalo Bills running back James Cook (4) dives for a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images

The Buffalo Bills have halted contract talks with running back James Cook, who is seeking an extension worth $15 million per season.

"I don't see us getting something done anytime soon. We're onto the draft. Just because we don't get something done this year doesn't mean we can't get something done before he's a free agent," general manager Brandon Beane said at the NFL league meeting in Palm Beach, Fla.

A deal for $15 million per season would rank Cook third among NFL running backs behind the Philadelphia Eagles' Saquon Barkley ($20.6 million per season) and the San Francisco 49ers' Christian McCaffrey ($19 million).

Cook is due to make $5.3 million in the fourth and final season of his rookie deal in 2025. He would become an unrestricted free agent in 2026 if he doesn't get a new deal with Buffalo.

Cook, 25, made the Pro Bowl and rushed for more than 1,000 yards for the second straight season in 2024, leading the NFL with 16 rushing touchdowns.

He has rushed for 2,638 yards and 20 TDs and caught 97 passes for 883 yards and seven scores in 49 games since being drafted in the second round in 2022.

--Field Level Media