- Ryan Talbot | rtalbot@nyup.com
There’s some good news and bad news when it potentially comes to James Cook’s next contract with the Buffalo Bills.
The good news? Cook isn’t asking for $20 million per year as his brother, Dalvin, suggested on X during the AFC Championship game.
The bad news? Buffalo’s star running back may be looking for $15 million per season on average. Cook went on Instagram Live on Tuesday and pinned his own message in the chat. The not-so-subtle message seemed to indicate how much Cook is looking for in his next contract with the Bills.
“$15 mill year”
Frank Gore Jr., Cook’s teammate, told the back that he deserved a pay raise.
Fifteen million dollars per season on average would make Cook, 25, the second highest-paid back in the league behind Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers.
- Christian McCaffrey: $16 million per year for four years
- Alvin Kamara: $15 million per year for five years
- Jonathan Taylor: $14 million per year for three years
- Saquon Barkley: $12.6 million per year for three years
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Cook will be entering the final year of his rookie contract in 2025. He’s set to make $5,190,000 but the back may feel as though he outplayed that deal in 2024. Cook is coming off a season in which he rushed for 1,009 yards and 16 touchdowns on 207 carries (4.9 YPC). He also added 32 receptions for 258 yards and two touchdowns during his 2024 campaign.
While Josh Allen made the offense go in 2024 during his MVP campaign, there is no doubt that Cook played a pivotal role in the success of the offense. After establishing himself as a true No.1 back, Cook seems to want to be paid like one.
Buffalo has many big decisions to make when it comes to some of their homegrown talent and Cook may be forcing his way to the top of the list.
