James Cook, the Buffalo Bills’ star running back, has signed a four-year contract extension worth $48 million with $30 million guaranteed. The deal, which includes an average annual salary of $12 million, is a significant boost over Cook’s original rookie contract.
Cook, who was set to earn $5.27 million in his final year, is now tied for the sixth-highest-paid running back annually in the NFL. The 16-year-old running back has been instrumental in leading the Bills’ offense, with 207 carries, 1,009 rushing yards, and 16 rushing touchdowns in 2024.
Cook’s extension is a major victory for the Bills, who have prioritized drafting and re-signing their players. General manager Brandon Beane confirmed the deal on Wednesday, saying it’s another draft pick that the team is “proud of” and “excited to extend.”
The new contract comes after Cook skipped voluntary offseason workouts but returned to practice last month. He reportedly stopped practicing due to “business” reasons, but the hold-up was resolved when Cook received a significant pay bump.
“It’s a good solution for both parties,” said Beane. “We like what he provides and see him as a three-down type player who can take more touches.”
The deal will help the Bills focus on their long-term goal of winning their first Super Bowl. With Cook at the helm, they aim to utilize his skillset effectively while using other players to keep him fresh.
Source: https://www.nfl.com/news/james-cook-bills-four-year-48-million-contract-extension