James Cook and the Buffalo Bills finally agreed on a new deal.
Cook signed a four-year, $48 million extension with $30 million guaranteed.
With the new deal, Cook ended his “hold-in”. The new deal makes Cook tied for the sixth-highest-paid back in the league. The $30 million guaranteed money is the third highest at the running back position.
Did The Buffalo Bills Overpay James Cook?
James Cook has been in the league for three years. Last season was by far his best. Here are his stats from 2022-2024.
- 2022: 89 rush attempts, 507 rushing yards, 5.7 yards per attempt, and two rushing TDs
- 2023: 237 rush attempts, 1,122 rushing yards, 4.7 yards per attempt, and two rushing TDs
- 2024: 207 rush attempts, 1,009 rushing yards, 4.9 yards per attempt, and 16 rushing TDs
Cook also contributes as a receiver. Last season, he caught 32 passes for 258 receiving yards and two receiving TDs. In 2023, he had 44 receptions, 445 receiving yards, and four receiving TDs.
There is no denying Cook has been productive, but questioning if the Bills overpaid is a legitimate question.
Cook played just 47.5% of the offensive snaps in games he was active last season.
Even in the playoffs, Cook played 45% in their wild-card round contest, 52% in the divisional round, and just 45% in the AFC Championship game.
That is a lot of money to pay a running back who doesn’t play 50% of the offensive snaps.
The only game last season that Cook played over 60% of the offensive snaps was in week 1.
Josh Allen is the catalyst of the offense, which significantly contributes to Cook’s success.
Cook Got More Money Than Kyren Williams
Kyren Williams signed a new deal with the Los Angeles Rams for less than what Buffalo paid Cook.
Williams played over 75% of offensive snaps in all but one game last season. He outproduced Cook in rushing yards in each of the last two seasons. Williams also contributes in the passing game.
Williams scored 12 rushing TDs in 2023 and 14 last season. Over the last two years, Cook had 18 rushing TDs compared to Williams’ 26 rushing TDs.
While both running backs are very productive, it seems like the Bills paid Cook more than they should have, as the Rams paid Williams less despite Williams playing far more offensive snaps and being more productive.
