**Buffalo Bills Running Backs Outlook for 2025: James Cook, Ty Johnson, and Ray Davis**
As the Buffalo Bills transition into the 2025 offseason, the focus shifts to the running back room, comprising James Cook, Ty Johnson, and Ray Davis. Each player has played a significant role in the team’s success, and understanding their trajectories will be key for the Bills as they strategize for the future.
### James Cook: A Promising Future
James Cook, the Bills’ second-round pick in 2022, is coming off a stellar 2024 season. At 25 years old, Cook is entering the final year of his rookie contract and is eligible for an extension. In 2024, he showcased remarkable growth, finishing with 1,267 scrimmage yards and leading the NFL with 16 rushing touchdowns. His performance in the playoffs was equally impressive, averaging 20 touches and over 100 yards per game.
Cook’s development has been highlighted by his improved vision and decision-making as a runner. His yards after contact per attempt increased from 2.7 in 2023 to 3.5 in 2024, and he significantly reduced his fumble rate. However, concerns around his pass protection remain, as he played only 11 snaps in that role during the 2024 season. This limitation could affect his value in contract negotiations, but the Bills may still pursue an extension given his upward trajectory and importance to the offense.
### Ty Johnson: Versatile Depth Player
Ty Johnson, who joined the Bills as a free agent in 2023, has solidified his role as a reliable depth player. At 27 years old, he is set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2024 after proving his worth on both offense and special teams. Johnson played 29% of the offensive snaps and was praised by quarterback Josh Allen as one of the best third-down backs in the league.
His ability to excel in pass protection and contribute in various roles makes him a valuable asset for the Bills. A potential two-year extension worth around $5.5 to $6 million would be a reasonable move for Buffalo, allowing them to retain his services as a versatile player who complements Cook’s skill set.
### Ray Davis: A Bright Beginning
Ray Davis, a fourth-round pick in 2024, had a promising rookie season, contributing significantly to the Bills’ offensive efforts. At 25, he recorded 631 scrimmage yards and six touchdowns. While he did not challenge Cook for the starting role, he showed enough to suggest he could be an effective complementary back moving forward.
Davis’s ability to break tackles and be versatile with both rushing and receiving makes him an appealing piece for the Bills’ future. As the team considers its running back strategy, maintaining a balanced workload among Cook, Davis, and potentially Johnson could be key to maximizing their offensive efficiency.
### Conclusion: Building on Success
The Bills’ running back room has demonstrated strength and depth in 2024, with Cook emerging as a lead back while Johnson and Davis provide valuable support. The team faces important decisions in the offseason, particularly concerning Cook’s contract extension and whether to retain Johnson and Gilliam.
Ultimately, the Bills are in a favorable position with their running back group, and if they can successfully navigate the offseason, they could continue building on the success of the 2024 season. Maintaining continuity while ensuring the roster remains competitive will be crucial as they aim for success in 2025 and beyond.
