James Cook May Have to Exceed His Own High Standards to Secure New Contract With Bills
With the 2025 NFL season fast approaching, the Buffalo Bills have yet to offer running back James Cook a contract extension — despite his impressive 2024 performance. One NFL analyst suggests that Cook might need to surpass even last season’s stellar numbers to convince the team he’s worth a long-term deal.
NFL.com’s Nick Shook categorized 2025 as a “make-or-break” year for Cook, who has skipped voluntary OTAs while awaiting a new contract. Cook is coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons, including a league-leading 16 rushing touchdowns in 2024 (18 total touchdowns), but the Bills have remained noncommittal.
According to Shook, the Bills may want to see Cook elevate his production further — potentially topping 1,200 rushing yards, scoring double-digit touchdowns again, and adding 300+ receiving yards — to justify a lucrative extension. While some might point to his relatively modest carry total compared to backs like Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry, Cook’s efficiency and scoring ability place him among the league’s top-tier running backs.
If an agreement isn’t reached soon, the situation could affect Buffalo’s 2025 offense. Should Cook hold out, Ray Davis and Ty Johnson are expected to split the backfield duties, with Davis likely handling early downs and Johnson stepping in for passing situations.
Ultimately, if the Bills don’t re-sign Cook, another team likely will — provided he maintains his current level of play. But for now, the standoff looms large over Buffalo’s preseason outlook.
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