James Cook Trade Rumors: Cowboys, Broncos Among Potential Destinations For Next Team

The 2025 NFL free agency period has seen several players cash in on big pay days but one two-time Pro Bowl running back is still looking for a new contract. James Cook remains without a contract extension and could be a potential candidate to hold out of Buffalo Bills training camp if a deal doesn’t get done. The third-year running back even listed his Buffalo home for sale, an indication that he doesn’t plan on being in Buffalo for the upcoming NFL season. Below, we’ll break down Cook’s contract demands, along with which teams could potentially trade for the Bills running back if the two sides can’t come to an agreement on a new deal.

How Much Money Is James Cook Demanding For His Next Contract?

James Cook is reportedly seeking a contract extension that will pay him in the neighborhood of $15 million per year, but the Buffalo Bills have made it clear that they aren’t willing to pay a king’s ransom to keep their talented RB. 

Cook’s new contract demands would make him one of the top three highest-paid running backs in the NFL. 

Currently, Cook is the 13th highest-paid running back in the league. His rookie deal expires next year and will pay him only $5,265 for the 2025 season, making him one of the best bargains in the NFL. 

Examining Potential Landing Spots For James Cook

Several NFL teams still have holes at running back and with the NFL Draft around the corner, an impending trade for Cook could make sense for both sides. 

If a team in need of running back help doesn’t feel confident about their ability to land a game-changing back in the NFL Draft, dealing for a proven commodity in Cook could make sense. On the other hand, Buffalo could secure a long-term solution at running back on a rookie contract while also getting future draft compensation or immediate help at other positions to help bolster their roster ahead of another potential Super Bowl run. 

Here are a few potential landing spots for Cook, if the Bills decides to trade their star running back.

Denver Broncos 

It’s hard to find a better fit for Cook than the Denver Broncos. After moving on from oft-injured Javonte Williams, the Broncos have a major hole to fill in the backfield. Though Sean Payton likes both Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estimé, a workhorse running back like Cook could serve as a foundational piece for the Broncos’ offense. His presence would ease the burden on second-year QB Bo Nix and provide schematic flexibility for an offense in transition. Denver has the resources to make a competitive offer and Payton could help unlock Cook’s pass-catching ability and overall effectiveness.

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers parted ways with Najee Harris, leaving Jaylen Warren as the de facto starter. While efficient, Warren may be best suited as a complementary piece on a Super Bowl contending team. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith favors a run-heavy approach and Cook’s ability to contribute in both the ground and passing game would help give the Stelers one of the best one-two punches in the NFL. With the quarterback position expected to remain a major question mark, Pittsburgh may look to reinforce the offense with a high-end backfield weapon.

Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers parted ways with J.K. Dobbins and brought in Najee Harris on a one-year deal. Though Harris shores up the running back position for now, Los Angeles could be tempted to trade for Cook if the price is right. Jim Harbaugh loves to run the football, so there should be enough carries to go around to keep both backs involved in the offense. While many NFL Draft experts have L.A. targeting a rookie RB in Round 1, the Chargers could get away with trading a third-round pick for Cook, who is seeking a long-term extension.

Washington Commanders

The Commanders appear to be going all-in on building around NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels in an attempt to compete for a Super Bowl while he’s still on a rookie contract. That could open up the possibility of signing Cook to a long-term deal if a trade is made. Currently, Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler have been sharing responsibilities in the backfield, but Cook would provide an immediate upgrade both on the ground and in the passing game.

Las Vegas Raiders

The Raiders added veterans Raheem Mostert and Geno Smith this offseason, but both are short-term solutions. Las Vegas still lacks a long-term answer at running back since Josh Jacobs’ departure. Cook would provide a younger, more durable alternative to Mostert, while also helping stabilize an offense searching for its identity under Pete Carroll. Given their cap flexibility and draft capital (nine picks in 2025), Las Vegas is a team to watch.

Chicago Bears

While D’Andre Swift performed well in 2024, the front office remains committed to maximizing the supporting cast around former No. 1 pick Caleb Williams. New head coach Ben Johnson values versatility in the backfield and didn’t hesitate to employ a two running back approach in Detroit with David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. Pairing Cook with Swift would create one of the NFL’s most dynamic tandems and give Chicago the talent to compete in the NFC North. If Chicago wants to build an immediate contender around their second-year QB, adding another elite playmaker to the mix would be a logical move for an offensive-minded coach.

Cleveland Browns

The Browns parted ways with Nick Chubb, leaving a significant hole in their backfield. Jerome Ford is a solid rotational player but lacks the explosiveness and consistency Cook brings. In Kevin Stefanski’s zone-based rushing attack, Cook’s vision and receiving ability would be immediate assets.