**”Let’s Talk Numbers”: Bills’ 4-Word Reply to Cook’s $15M Demand!**

Following Buffalo Bills running back James Cook making his contract extension demands public, the Bills have reportedly responded with a terse four-word message, setting the stage for potentially tense negotiations.

Cook, coming off a Pro Bowl season and seeking a new deal, stated his desired salary to be $15 million per year[2][5]. The Bills’ response, according to sources close to the team, was: “Let’s talk numbers”[2][3][4].

Here’s why this is generating buzz:

* **Cook’s Public Declaration:** Cook indicated his starting point in contract extension negotiations at $15 million per year, which would place him second among RBs[2]. He pinned his own comment that said “15 mill year” on Instagram Live[2].
* **The Bills’ Measured Response:** The Bills’ four-word reply suggests they are willing to negotiate, but perhaps not at Cook’s stated price[2][3][4]. Whether Buffalo agrees that Cook is worth $15 million – or close to that vicinity — is a different story[2].
* **Potential Holdout:** There has been some chatter of Cook potentially holding out until a deal is reached[1]. The shelf life of running backs in the football nowadays isn’t getting any longer and him wanting to capitalize on his last two seasons with the Bills while he still can makes a lot of sense from his perspective[1].

Cook is currently on his rookie contract, set to earn $5.142 million in base salary in the final year[2]. He tied for the NFL lead with 16 rushing touchdowns in 2024, and his 4.9 yards per carry average ranked fifth among all running backs with at least 200 carries[1].

The Bills also own the threat of the franchise tag in 2026, which could be around $15 million[2]. A player signaling his hopes in negotiations and where that figure eventually lands are not congruent[2]. However, Cook’s willingness to share — and pin — a concrete number gives an idea of how he values himself ahead of negotiations, which is a vital piece of the equation[2].

The negotiation has the potential to turn testy. 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[1].