Buffalo Bills End Contract Talks with RB James Cook After $15M Per Year Demand Goes Public

Buffalo, NY — Tensions are rising in Buffalo as the Bills have reportedly ended contract extension negotiations with star running back James Cook after he publicly demanded a new deal worth $15 million per year.

According to league sources, talks between the team and Cook’s representatives had been ongoing for weeks, but came to a screeching halt after the 24-year-old running back took to social media earlier this week, voicing his frustration with the process and revealing his asking price.

“I know my worth. I’ve earned it. $15M a year — that’s the standard now,” Cook wrote in a now-viral post that caught the attention of fans and NFL insiders alike.

The public nature of the demand is said to have “rubbed the organization the wrong way,” with insiders saying the Bills front office was caught off guard by the timing and tone of Cook’s statement. Shortly afterward, sources confirmed the team has pulled back from further talks for the time being.

James Cook, entering the third year of his rookie contract, is coming off a breakout season in 2024, rushing for over 1,200 yards and racking up 10 total touchdowns. While his production has made him a key part of Buffalo’s offense, the $15M figure would place him among the top-paid running backs in the league — a price tag the Bills reportedly aren’t willing to meet at this stage.

The move signals a potential standoff between the team and one of its rising stars. With Cook’s contract not set to expire until after the 2025 season, the Bills technically have time on their side — but the situation could grow more tense if Cook decides to hold out or limit participation in team activities.

As of now, no trade request has been made, but NFL insiders say the situation is “fluid” and could evolve quickly depending on what moves — if any — are made by Cook or the team in the coming weeks.

Fans are divided. Some believe Cook has earned a payday, while others caution against overspending at the running back position, especially in today’s NFL.

One thing is clear: this offseason just got a lot more interesting in Buffalo.