Bills Sign RB James Cook to Four-Year, $48M Extension

The Buffalo Bills have resolved their contract standoff with star running back James Cook by signing him to a four-year, $48 million extension with $30 million guaranteed, making him one of the highest-paid running backs in the NFL. This deal, which averages $12 million annually, ties Cook with Green Bay's Josh Jacobs as the sixth highest-paid running back and secures his place in Buffalo through the 2028 season. Cook had previously held out of training camp to negotiate a contract that reflected his value, returning to practice once the agreement was imminent. He has proven his worth with over 1,000 rushing yards in the past two seasons and a league-leading 16 rushing touchdowns last year. The extension brings stability to the Bills' offense alongside quarterback Josh Allen and wide receiver Khalil Shakir as they prepare for the 2025 season opener. Cook's guaranteed money ranks him among the top running backs, trailing only a few like Saquon Barkley and rookie Ashton Jeanty in guaranteed contract value.