The contract dispute between James Cook and the Buffalo Bills is officially over.
The Bills reportedly agreed to a four-year, $48 million contract with Cook, ending an off-season-long holdout — and hold-in — that came to a head with Cook opting out of Buffalo’s first preseason game against the New York Giants.
The Athletic reported that Cook will receive $30 million in guaranteed money. That amount of guaranteed money is the third-most for a running back, behind only Saquon Barkley and Ashton Jeanty, according to Over The Cap.
Cook’s $12 million annual-average value is tied for sixth-highest in the NFL with Josh Jacobs of the Green Bay Packers.
Cook was about to enter the final year of his four-year rookie contract. He had an NFL-high 16 rushing touchdowns last year and posted 1,267 all-purpose yards in 2024. He finished with 18 total TDs last year.
What Did The Bills Say About The James Cook Contract?
The Bills were understandably excited to put the Cook contract dispute behind them, especially since it seemed to be getting uglier by the day with their second-round pick (No. 63 overall) from the 2022 NFL Draft.
“Unfortunately you never want a hold in or hold out or any of that stuff you want at all. But at the end of the day, you guys know our motto here. We want to draft and develop and re-sign,” Bills GM Brandon Beane said, according to The Athletic. “This is another draft pick that weâre proud of and excited to extend and and fortunately late last night we got it across the finish line.”
Yet, it turned out Cook opting out of the preseason opener — understandably so, since he had not practiced with the team, even though he had warmed up Saturday — ultimately was the turning point. By Tuesday, Cook participated in practice, ahead of his signing, that was consummated late Tuesday night and is expected to be signed Wednesday.
âI think we had an understanding that, you know, we need to practice if weâre going to be able to get back to the table,” Beane said. “So I think there was good faith on both parts from him and his agent to our side. Once we once we got him back on the practice field, we really worked hard yesterday.
“I think it was roughly 11 or so last night where we were able to say were both sides are good with this and weâll get it signed in the morning.”
What Is Next For The Bills?
According to The Athletic, the contract for Cook is a break from Beane’s philosophy about paying big bucks to running backs. But Cook has proven himself worthy of a second deal.
“The Cook contract marks the first time under Beane that the Bills have given a lucrative second contract to a running back they drafted,” Joe Buscaglia and Dianna Russini reported. “Beane had never been against the notion of paying a running back, but was waiting for a player deemed to be the right fit for Buffaloâs offense.”
But with Cook locked in, the Bills are ready to roll in a Super Bowl-or-bust season in 2025.
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