James Cook signs $48M contract extension with Bills

The Buffalo Bills and top running back James Cook have reached a new four-year deal after a nine-day hold-in that started on August 3. The contract, valued at $48 million with $30 million guaranteed, will keep Cook with the team until the 2029 season, according to a source.

The deal places Cook's average annual value at $12 million, ranking him sixth among running backs in the league. This surpasses the $11 million contract recently signed by Kyren Williams with the Los Angeles Rams.

Despite falling short of Cook's initial request of $15 million per year, both the player and the Bills expressed their desire for a long-term agreement to keep him in Buffalo beyond this season.

This marks the fifth contract extension the Bills have secured this offseason with players on their rookie deals. Cook joins other key players like wide receiver Khalil Shakir, linebacker Terrel Bernard, defensive end Greg Rousseau, and cornerback Christian Benford in supporting NFL MVP Josh Allen.

Cook, who tied the franchise record for most rushing touchdowns in a season in 2024, has been a crucial part of the Bills' rushing attack. The 26-year-old running back had been seeking a new contract throughout the offseason.

The hold-in ended on Tuesday as Cook returned to practice with the team. The Bills' front office, coaches, and teammates consistently expressed their support for Cook and the importance of reaching a deal that worked for both parties.

This contract is the first time under Bills GM Brandon Beane that the team has given a lucrative second contract to a running back they drafted. With Cook signed through 2025, the Bills have secured their running back room through at least the 2026 season.

The Bills will kick off their 2025 regular season at home against the Baltimore Ravens on "Sunday Night Football."