After the 2024 regular season wrapped up, Buffalo Bills running back James Cook became eligible for a new contract. With one year left on his rookie deal, Cook is looking for a major payday. On Instagram, he made it clear that he’s seeking a $15 million annual salary.
Cook’s request isn’t entirely out of line. In the 2024 season, he had back-to-back 1,000-yard performances and scored 18 touchdowns, showing his value as a dynamic player. At just 24 years old and only three NFL seasons under his belt, James Cook still has plenty of prime years ahead of him.
However, whether the Bills are willing to meet Cook’s demands remains uncertain. For the 2025 season, he’s set to earn $5.19 million, thanks to performance-based incentives tied to the final year of his second-round rookie contract. One option for the Bills is to apply the franchise tag in 2026, which could end up being close to $15 million with the rising salary cap. But Cook likely doesn’t want to wait that long, especially since he’s aiming for long-term security.
The Bills do have leverage in this situation, as they can take a year-by-year approach. On the other hand, Cook doesn’t have many alternatives. If he holds out, he risks losing a year of credit toward free agency, meaning he would be at the mercy of the team’s decision to pay him. If a deal isn’t reached, he could find himself waiting two more years before he finally gets a shot at free agency or a potential move to a rival team.