The Buffalo Bills are facing a pivotal offseason, one that could see the end of James Cook’s tenure with the team. The young running back is entering the final year of his rookie contract in 2025, and while it’s typically a prime moment for both sides to negotiate an extension, recent events might make that task more complicated than expected.
The NFL running back market was drastically reshaped this week with Saquon Barkley’s new contract extension, sending shockwaves through the league and putting the Bills’ potential re-signing of Cook in serious doubt.
Saquon Barkley’s Record-Breaking Deal Sets New Precedent for Running Backs
The Philadelphia Eagles made a bold move on Tuesday by locking up Saquon Barkley for two more years at a staggering $41.2 million, making headlines as the NFL’s latest major contract extension. While Barkley’s production in 2024 was impressive enough to prompt the Eagles to act, his deal also sets a difficult precedent for teams with other talented backs on the horizon.
For Buffalo, this new deal for Barkley could very well be “the death blow” to their hopes of securing a reasonable contract extension for Cook, as reported by Bills insider Alex Brasky. In essence, Barkley’s market reset has put a significant increase on the price of running backs, meaning Cook could now demand more than the Bills are willing to pay.
The Potential Price Tag for James Cook
Cook, drafted by the Bills as a second-round pick in 2022, is not eligible for a fifth-year option, meaning the 2025 season will be the final year of his contract unless both parties agree to an extension. As of now, it seems that a deal is far from guaranteed.
After a stellar 2024 campaign, where Cook not only emerged as one of the NFL’s top dual-threat running backs but also helped fill the void left by Stefon Diggs’ injury, the young back is likely to command a hefty payday. His 2,639 rushing yards, 883 receiving yards, and 27 total touchdowns over his first three seasons put him in elite company.
James Cook’s Contract Demands: Will the Bills Be Able to Keep Him?
Shortly after the 2024 season ended, Cook sent a clear message about his expectations for his next contract. During an Instagram live session, the running back pinned a comment stating “15 mill,” referencing his desire for $15 million per year in his next deal.
If Cook gets his wish, that would make him the third-highest paid running back in the NFL, behind only Christian McCaffrey, who earns $19 million per season, and now Saquon Barkley. For comparison, it would be a larger deal than those secured by elite players like Jonathan Taylor, Josh Jacobs, and Alvin Kamara.
While Cook’s stats speak for themselves, his public demand for such a significant contract could force the Bills into a tough situation. With the franchise likely to keep a close eye on the overall cap space and the rising costs of their roster, they might find it difficult to meet those demands.
Could Saquon Barkley’s Contract Impact the NFL Running Back Market?
As the running back market continues to be a point of contention for both teams and players alike, Barkley’s contract may serve as a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it demonstrates that top-tier backs can still secure hefty deals. On the other, it places immense pressure on franchises like the Bills, who may now find themselves needing to dig deeper into their pockets to keep players like Cook.
In the wake of Barkley’s new deal, other running backs around the league may start to push for similar compensation, complicating matters for front offices already reluctant to spend big on the position. While running backs like Cook offer immense value as dual threats—able to both rush the ball and contribute in the passing game—the long-term sustainability of paying a premium for backs remains a question mark for many NFL teams.
Can the Bills Afford to Keep James Cook?
For the Bills, securing a deal with Cook could require more than just a financial commitment. It will come down to whether the team is willing to prioritize a player at a position where they’ve historically been cautious with big-money contracts. The rise of dual-threat backs and the increasing emphasis on passing offenses might push Cook to a bigger payday elsewhere, especially if Buffalo cannot match the offers he’s expecting.
Though Cook is undeniably one of the key players in Buffalo’s offensive scheme, the reality is that the Bills will have to balance their cap space, the increasing cost of their roster, and the market dynamics at play after Barkley’s record-setting extension.
As Cook gears up for his final season in Buffalo, fans are left wondering if the Bills can work out an extension or if they will have to watch as another key player moves on. Whether Cook stays or goes, one thing is certain: his value is higher than ever, and the $41.2 million extension given to Saquon Barkley could very well be the tipping point in whether the Bills can keep their star running back.
As the 2025 season unfolds, all eyes will be on Cook’s performance, his potential contract demands, and how the Bills approach negotiations moving forward. With the stakes higher than ever, the future of James Cook in Buffalo remains uncertain, but the story is far from over.
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