NFL Free Agency: James Cook Hopes Saquon Barkley Contract Will Set The RB Market

Saquon Barkley became the highest paid running back in NFL history on Tuesday. James Cook of the Buffalo Bills is hoping that the annual value of $20.6 million will set the market for other backs to get paid this offseason, and he is making his feelings clear through a series of simple social media posts.

NFL Rumors: James Cook Monitoring The Saquon Barkley Deal

Cook is coming off by far the most productive season of his three-year career. He had 300 fewer scrimmage yards in 2024 than he did in 2023, but he upped his touchdown total from 6 to 18, and did so on 42 fewer touches. His 16 rushing touchdowns were tied for the league lead despite sharing a backfield with Josh Allen, and was named a Pro Bowler for the second year in a row.

With just one season remaining on his four-year rookie contract, James Cook is looking for a payday this NFL offseason. He wants to get a long-term deal done with Buffalo, though it is unclear how willing the Bills will be to give him the money that he desires.

Cook himself thinks he deserves a lucrative deal, based on his series of tweets on Tuesday that surrounded the news about Barkley. His first two posts were of the emoji variety, both suggesting that he was well aware of the money handed down to the Eagles’ running back. When quoting a tweet that broke down the exact financial stipulations of Barkley’s deal, Cook commented, “Good business”.

I love you Buffalo ❤️💙 https://t.co/UjQlpRcZxg

— James Cook (@thegreat__4) March 4, 2025

His most recent retweet included the sentiment, “I love you Buffalo”.

While James Cook is right in wanting to sign a new deal this offseason, but he might be overstepping his value in thinking that he deserves anything close to what Saquon Barkley earned. The Eagles’ running back not only came close to breaking the single season rushing record in 2024, but was named the Offensive Player of the Year and a First Team All-Pro. He had 1,016 more scrimmage yards than Cook, as well.

Cook likely isn’t asking for a $20 million per year value, though. A social media post last month suggested that he was looking for a deal in the $15 million/year range, which would give him the 3rd highest value of any running back in the NFL.