James Cook, Buffalo Bills reportedly finalize contract extension
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Who’s that coming down the track? It’s Georgia alum James Cook with a massive bag.
After an offseason full of negotiations, Cook and the Buffalo Bills agreed to a four-year, $48 million contract extension Wednesday morning. That’s according to the NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport.
The deal, which contains $30 million in guaranteed money, locks Cook in as the Bills’ starting running back for the 2025 season and beyond (through 2029).
Cook, who turns 26 years old in September, has made the Pro Bowl each of the past two seasons. He posted 300 fewer yards from scrimmage (1,267) for Buffalo in 2024 than he did the year prior (1,567), but added 12 more total touchdowns to his ledger. His 16 rushing scores last season tied Derrick Henry and Jahmyr Gibbs for the most in the league.
By total value, Cook’s contract equals former Alabama rusher Josh Jacobs’ contract — also four years, $48 million — as the NFL’s largest running back contract, per Spotrac. Cook and Jacobs rank sixth in annual salary ($12 million) behind a who’s who of tailbacks, including another pair of old SEC stars:
- Saquon Barkley ($20.6 million)
- Christian McCaffrey ($19.0 million)
- Derrick Henry ($15.0 million)
- Jonathan Taylor ($14.0 million)
- Alvin Kamara ($12.3 million)
With his payday secured, Cook can shift his attention to season No. 4 in the NFL. He helped Georgia capture its first national title in 40 years during his fourth season in Athens, so he’s hoping history repeats itself at the professional level. His first game as a made man comes versus the Baltimore Ravens on Sept. 7.
