**Cook Demands $15M! Bills Star RB’s Contract Wish Rocks Buffalo!**

Buffalo Bills star running back James Cook, fresh off a breakout 2024 season, has reportedly set a high bar for his desired new contract in 2025, potentially creating a contract battle with the Bills[3].

Cook, who is eligible for a contract extension after the 2024 regular-season finale, is seeking a salary of $15 million annually[2]. Cook seemingly announced his desired salary during an Instagram Live video stream[4].

Here’s why this is causing a stir:

* **Cook’s Breakout Season:** Cook has had two seasons with over 1,000 rushing yards and a total of 18 touchdowns[2]. In 2024, Cook rushed for 1,009 yards on 207 attempts and had 32 receptions[1].

* **The $15 Million Price Tag:** Cook’s demand appears reasonable considering his impressive track record[2].
* **Bills’ Options:** The Bills could potentially use the franchise tag on Cook in 2026. Given the anticipated increase in the salary cap, the one-year tender could approach $15 million[2].
* **Cook’s Current Contract:** Cook is set to earn $5.265 million in 2025, a result of performance-based escalations, in the final year of his second-round contract[2][4]. He signed a 4-year, $5,832,057 contract with the Bills, including a $1,421,496 signing bonus[1]. His average annual salary is $1,458,014[1].

However, it remains uncertain whether the Bills will choose to honor Cook’s request[2]. Cook’s alternatives are limited and he risks losing a year of credit towards free agency if he opts for a holdout[2]. Cook is likely eager to avoid such a lengthy wait, as he desires long-term financial stability[2].

Whether Cook and the Bills can agree on a long-term contract remains to be seen, but if he performs like he has the past two seasons in 2025, he could further increase his value[5]. Cook’s seemingly lofty contract demands may price him out of Buffalo[3].