After executing a hold-in, Buffalo Bills running back James Cook has agreed to a lucrative contract extension.
James Cook, Bills Agree To Contract Extension
JIMBO‼️
We’ve signed James Cook to a four-year contract extension: https://t.co/DKD1mH8UM0 pic.twitter.com/aDyDXs8E32
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) August 13, 2025
Throughout the offseason, Cook lobbied to be paid like one of the top running backs in the NFL.
The soon-to-be 26-year-old was entering the final year of his rookie deal and wanted a new deal. After a productive 2024 campaign, Cook did not want to play for his 2025 base salary of $5.3 million.
The number Cook threw around this offseason was $15 million per year. To express his frustration, Cook reported to camp and held in by skipping practice.
On Tuesday, Cook ended his hold-in by returning to practice. Less than 24 hours later, we learned why.
Cook and the Bills agreed to terms on a four-year, $48 million contract extension with $30 million guaranteed. This keeps Cook with the Bills through the 2029 season.
Cook never wanted to leave Buffalo, and now he gets to stay there for at least five more seasons.
“This is the place that drafted me,” Cook said via Bills.com. “The fans are good, the community is good, and just the team we got, man, we play as one. We are brothers, and we have a good bond. It all shows they got my back.”
Cook has become a vital part of the Bills’ offense. In 2024, Cook rushed for 1,009 yards and tied for the league high in rushing touchdowns with 16. The versatile back also recorded 32 receptions for 258 yards and two touchdowns.
The Bills prioritized locking up their 2022 draft class to extensions this offseason. Cook, wide receiver Khalil Shakir, linebacker Terrel Bernard, and cornerback Christian Benford all signed extensions in the last few months.
Buffalo also signed MVP Josh Allen to a six-year, $330 million extension.
With the extension signed, Cook is ready to take the field.
“Now it’s time for us to go play football and show them why we belong here,” added Cook.
Highest-Paid Running Backs In The NFL
| Running Back | Team | Average Salary Per Year |
| Saquon Barkley | PHI | $20.6 million |
| Christian McCaffrey | SF | $19 million |
| Derrick Henry | BAL | $15 million |
| Jonathan Taylor | IND | $14 million |
| Alvin Kamara | NO | $12.25 million |
| Josh Jacobs | GB | $12 million |
| James Cook | BUF | $12 million |
In the end, Cook did not get his desired average annual salary of $15 million. However, $30 million guaranteed is one of the highest totals at the position.
Cook’s $12 million has him tied for sixth among the highest-paid running backs in the league in terms of average salary per year.
Saquon Barkley remains at the top with $20.6 million, followed by San Francisco’s Christian McCaffrey at $19 million and Baltimore’s Derrick Henry at $15 million.
